secure_v our_o main_a interest_n the_o happiness_n of_o eternity_n and_o when_o time_n shall_v be_v at_o a_o end_n that_o be_v to_o every_o particular_a person_n when_o death_n shall_v put_v a_o period_n to_o this_o life_n then_o come_v that_o night_n in_o which_o no_o man_n can_v work_v than_o the_o opportunity_n shall_v be_v for_o ever_o at_o a_o end_n and_o according_a as_o man_n have_v improve_v or_o waste_v their_o time_n in_o this_o world_n so_o shall_v their_o eternity_n be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a in_o the_o next_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v indeed_o very_o foolish_o prodigal_a who_o without_o any_o thought_n of_o hereafter_o waste_v this_o precious_a treasure_n this_o only_a opportunity_n of_o make_v himself_o for_o ever_o happy_a in_o vanity_n and_o folly_n in_o please_v and_o humour_v his_o body_n and_o neglect_v the_o improvement_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o instead_o of_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a secure_v to_o himself_o eternal_a misery_n and_o this_o do_v every_o wilful_a sinner_n when_o with_o the_o prodigal_n in_o the_o parable_n he_o waste_v this_o his_o substance_n in_o luxurious_a and_o riotous_a live_n and_o study_v nothing_o but_o how_o to_o gratify_v the_o low_a life_n look_v no_o further_a than_o this_o present_a world_n for_o happiness_n till_o his_o opportunity_n be_v quite_o lose_v and_o he_o be_v surprise_v into_o a_o unchangeable_o miserable_a condition_n because_o when_o it_o be_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n to_o make_v himself_o happy_a if_o he_o will_v he_o neglect_v it_o and_o choose_v the_o track_n to_o ruin_n three_o the_o glorious_a reversion_n of_o our_o heavenly_a inheritance_n be_v a_o treasure_n likewise_o that_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o value_v for_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v the_o felicity_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o now_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o he_o that_o can_v lie_v and_o who_o it_o be_v to_o bestow_v shall_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o sincere_a religion_n all_o this_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o man_n that_o know_v all_o this_o to_o be_v so_o prodigal_o to_o throw_v away_o all_o expectation_n of_o and_o title_n to_o such_o a_o reversion_n as_o this_o upon_o such_o low_a and_o profligate_v account_n as_o the_o wallow_n in_o the_o filthy_a pleasure_n of_o a_o goat_n or_o a_o swine_n or_o the_o heap_v up_o treasure_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n which_o be_v as_o unsatisfy_v as_o they_o be_v uncertain_a and_o perish_a or_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o little_a empty_a honour_n or_o the_o like_a this_o be_v the_o very_a height_n of_o profligate_v extravagancy_n and_o such_o as_o one_o will_v think_v no_o sensible_a man_n shall_v ever_o be_v guilty_a of_o upon_o these_o and_o many_o other_o nay_o indeed_o all_o account_n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o a_o wicked_a man_n be_v the_o great_a prodigal_n in_o the_o world_n for_o he_o waste_v and_o throw_v away_o what_o be_v of_o high_a value_n to_o a_o man_n and_o that_o for_o what_o be_v no_o better_a than_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n express_v in_o this_o parable_n viz._n the_o great_a extravagancy_n of_o ungodly_a man_n when_o they_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o grow_v weary_a of_o the_o government_n of_o god_n their_o heavenly_a father_n like_o the_o prodigal_a son_n they_o waste_v their_o most_o precious_a substance_n in_o riotous_a and_o profligate_v live_v the_o second_o thing_n express_v in_o this_o parable_n be_v the_o sad_a condition_n such_o man_n soon_o reduce_v themselves_o to_o by_o that_o their_o extravagancy_n and_o loose_v self-willed_a course_n of_o life_n or_o in_o other_o word_n the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o debauchery_n and_o riot_n and_o of_o follow_v so_o blind_a a_o guide_n as_o man_n unruly_a passion_n and_o lust_n for_o so_o in_o the_o parable_n when_o the_o prodigal_a young_a man_n have_v spend_v all_o there_o arise_v a_o mighty_a famine_n in_o that_o land_n and_o he_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o want_n and_o go_v and_o join_v himself_o to_o a_o citizen_n of_o that_o country_n who_o send_v he_o into_o his_o field_n to_o feed_v swine_n and_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v fill_v his_o belly_n with_o the_o husk_n that_o the_o swine_n do_v eat_v but_o no_o man_n give_v unto_o he_o the_o first_o ill_a consequence_n then_o of_o this_o prodigality_n or_o lawless_a extravagant_a live_n be_v spiritual_a want_n or_o a_o scarcity_n and_o famine_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v by_o so_o much_o more_o to_o be_v dread_v than_o a_o famine_n of_o provision_n for_o the_o body_n as_o eternal_a misery_n and_o death_n be_v more_o terrible_a than_o temporal_a the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v questionless_a the_o nourishment_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o which_o if_o once_o withdraw_v will_v leave_v the_o soul_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n now_o a_o obstinate_a course_n of_o disobedience_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n drive_v out_o that_o life-giving_a power_n and_o make_v the_o soul_n uncapable_a of_o vital_a union_n with_o so_o pure_a a_o spirit_n and_o as_o a_o humane_a soul_n be_v force_v to_o leave_v a_o body_n rot_a and_o waste_v and_o unapt_a any_o long_o to_o entertain_v it_o so_o this_o divine_a spirit_n be_v thrust_v out_o from_o a_o corrupt_a sinful_a soul_n and_o consequent_o there_o must_v be_v a_o famine_n in_o that_o soul_n of_o that_o heavenly_a bread_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o that_o be_v eternal_a death_n and_o certain_o no_o man_n that_o consider_v what_o a_o dismal_a condition_n that_o soul_n be_v in_o which_o be_v reduce_v to_o such_o extremity_n of_o spiritual_a want_n as_o this_o how_o full_a of_o horror_n and_o despair_n as_o doom_v to_o endless_a misery_n and_o seal_v up_o to_o destruction_n which_o he_o see_v daily_o near_o and_o near_o approach_v and_o no_o way_n to_o escape_v but_o like_o a_o wretch_n immure_v between_o two_o wall_n there_o to_o be_v starve_v to_o death_n in_o continual_a expectation_n of_o her_o sad_a end_n no_o man_n that_o consider_v this_o with_o that_o seriousness_n he_o ought_v but_o will_v be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o waste_v what_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o his_o spiritual_a subsistence_n i._n e._n by_o no_o mean_n grieve_v or_o resist_v or_o quench_v that_o life-giving_a spirit_n by_o who_o all_o true_a religion_n live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v its_o be_v and_o which_o if_o neglect_v and_o oppose_v will_v be_v withdraw_v and_o that_o perhaps_o for_o ever_o if_o like_a esau_n we_o sell_v this_o inestimable_a blessing_n for_o a_o mess_n of_o pottage_n forfeit_v the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o may_v indulge_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n we_o may_v fear_v that_o a_o spiritual_a famine_n will_v be_v our_o punishment_n and_o no_o place_n leave_v for_o repentance_n no_o blessing_n remain_v for_o we_o though_o we_o seek_v it_o earnest_o with_o tear_n as_o the_o prodigal_n in_o the_o parable_n when_o after_o he_o have_v waste_v his_o substance_n in_o riotous_a live_n and_o then_o want_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v with_o hunger_n so_o that_o he_o will_v have_v be_v glad_a of_o the_o mean_a and_o coarse_a fare_n will_v fain_o have_v fill_v his_o belly_n with_o the_o husk_n that_o the_o swine_n do_v eat_v even_o that_o he_o can_v not_o obtain_v for_o no_o man_n say_v the_o parable_n give_v unto_o he_o another_o ill_a consequence_n of_o this_o spiritual_a prodigality_n and_o loose_v wicked_a course_n of_o life_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o among_o a_o numerous_a train_n of_o they_o be_v that_o it_o extreme_o degrade_n and_o debase_v a_o man_n and_o engage_v he_o in_o the_o vile_a drudgery_n imaginable_a the_o serve_a bestial_a lust_n and_o devilish_a passion_n this_o be_v express_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o the_o prodigal_n being_n send_v into_o the_o field_n to_o feed_v swine_n a_o thing_n the_o most_o abject_a in_o it_o self_n and_o the_o most_o detestable_a to_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o our_o lord_n speak_v the_o parable_n who_o be_v teach_v by_o their_o law_n to_o esteem_v that_o creature_n among_o the_o most_o unclean_a and_o as_o low_a or_o low_a than_o this_o do_v he_o debase_v his_o nature_n who_o neglect_v the_o noble_a precept_n of_o religion_n make_v his_o sensual_a appetite_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o action_n for_o what_o more_o beastly_a and_o detestable_a than_o ungoverned_a lust_n the_o wretch_n himself_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o be_v ashamed_a public_o to_o commit_v it_o and_z takes_z advantage_n of_o holes_n and_o corner_n and_o
may_v i_o always_o so_o attend_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o my_o nature_n and_o the_o constant_a inspection_n of_o thy_o holy_a angel_n and_o glorious_a self_n in_o all_o my_o way_n as_o not_o to_o dare_v to_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n in_o thy_o presence_n who_o see_v the_o very_a secret_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o expose_v my_o vileness_n to_o those_o excellent_a spirit_n and_o reflect_v upon_o the_o confusion_n i_o shall_v be_v in_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o the_o goat_n and_o the_o swine_n shall_v be_v discover_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o christian_n and_o o_o that_o the_o zeal_n and_o alacrity_n of_o these_o minister_a spirit_n in_o thy_o service_n and_o for_o thy_o glory_n may_v put_v i_o upon_o a_o holy_a emulation_n to_o do_v thy_o will_n on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n that_o so_o when_o the_o great_a harvest_n shall_v come_v and_o thou_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o angelic_a reaper_n gather_v you_o together_o first_o the_o tare_n and_o bound_v they_o in_o bundle_n to_o burn_v they_o but_o gather_v my_o wheat_n into_o my_o barn_n i_o may_v find_v mercy_n at_o that_o terrible_a day_n and_o be_v receive_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o thy_o heavenly_a kingdom_n which_o grant_n o_o bless_a jesus_n i_o most_o earnest_o beseech_v thou_o amen_n parable_n iii_o of_o the_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n matth._n xiii_o 45_o 46_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o merchantman_n seek_v goodly_a pearl_n who_o when_o he_o have_v find_v one_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n he_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v it_o by_o this_o and_o the_o parable_n immediate_o before_o it_o of_o a_o treasure_n hide_v in_o a_o field_n which_o when_o a_o man_n have_v find_v he_o hide_v and_o for_o joy_n thereof_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v that_o field_n the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v represent_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n to_o part_n with_o every_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v all_o the_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o riches_n of_o it_o rather_o than_o be_v without_o the_o inward_a power_n and_o life_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o pearl_n of_o so_o great_a price_n so_o immense_a a_o treasure_n that_o nothing_o here_o below_o can_v stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o it_o be_v as_o david_n express_v it_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v than_o gold_n yea_o 19.10_o psal_n 19.10_o than_o much_o find_v gold_n and_o he_o profess_v that_o himself_o have_v more_o delight_n in_o god_n commandment_n than_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o riches_n and_o solomon_n say_v almost_o in_o the_o word_n of_o these_o parable_n happy_a be_v the_o man_n that_o find_v wisdom_n or_o religion_n for_o the_o merchandise_n of_o it_o be_v better_a than_o the_o merchandise_n of_o silver_n and_o the_o gain_n thereof_o than_o of_o find_v gold_n etc._n prov._n 3.13_o etc._n etc._n she_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o ruby_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n thou_o can_v desire_v be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v unto_o she_o length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n riches_n and_o honour_n her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n such_o great_a thing_n as_o these_o be_v speak_v of_o religion_n by_o those_o that_o best_o know_v its_o excellency_n and_o the_o world_n be_v so_o very_o backward_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o prefer_v every_o little_a worldly_a good_a before_o this_o inestimable_a treasure_n to_o which_o all_o that_o the_o whole_a creation_n can_v afford_v be_v not_o comparable_a and_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o delusion_n be_v so_o fatal_a no_o less_o than_o the_o eternal_a ruin_n of_o both_o body_n and_o soul_n it_o high_o concern_v we_o by_o due_a consideration_n to_o rectify_v our_o apprehension_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o no_o long_o childish_o dote_v upon_o empty_a gaye_n and_o trifle_n and_o neglect_v what_o be_v of_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o the_o most_o substantial_a good_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n upon_o the_o parable_n above_o recite_v to_o weigh_v the_o excellency_n of_o religion_n against_o all_o that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o reason_n that_o upon_o a_o fair_a experiment_n we_o may_v see_v which_o do_v preponderate_a and_o according_o be_v convince_v which_o of_o the_o two_o be_v most_o worthy_a our_o choice_n and_o then_o if_o we_o still_o retain_v our_o affection_n for_o the_o world_n against_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o behalf_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v likewise_o be_v convince_v that_o we_o act_v more_o like_a brute_n than_o man_n and_o that_o we_o deserve_v to_o feel_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o unreasonable_a and_o wicked_a choice_n and_o taste_v no_o other_o happiness_n than_o what_o this_o unsatisfy_a empty_a world_n can_v afford_v and_o in_o the_o next_o world_n be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a because_o we_o will_v not_o be_v for_o ever_o happy_a when_o we_o may_v first_o then_o let_v we_o see_v what_o the_o whole_a that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v will_v amount_v to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n st._n john_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n 2.16_o 1_o eph._n 2.16_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n i._n e._n to_o these_o three_o may_v be_v reduce_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o be_v valuable_a in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v mean_v pleasure_n of_o all_o sort_n by_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n riches_n great_a plenty_n and_o abundance_n and_o by_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n honour_n power_n and_o dominion_n this_o be_v that_o trinity_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n adore_v and_o impatient_o desire_v and_o place_v their_o great_a happiness_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o and_o of_o each_o of_o these_o particular_n we_o will_v now_o inquire_v what_o they_o amount_v to_o and_o consequent_o what_o be_v the_o sum_n total_a of_o the_o world_n and_o first_o to_o observe_v the_o apostle_n method_n we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v general_o first_fw-mi in_o man_n esteem_n and_o for_o which_o they_o be_v often_o content_a to_o part_v with_o the_o other_o two_n now_o these_o may_v be_v rank_v in_o this_o order_n viz._n the_o pleasure_n of_o lust_n and_o uncleanness_n of_o luxurious_a eat_v and_o drink_v and_o of_o great_a jollity_n and_o mirth_n all_o agree_v in_o the_o character_n of_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v all_o high_o grateful_a to_o the_o desire_n and_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o observe_v this_o in_o general_a of_o all_o worldly_a pleasure_n that_o the_o long_o a_o man_n live_v to_o enjoy_v they_o the_o more_o insipid_a still_o they_o grow_v to_o he_o and_o that_o not_o only_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o own_o empty_a nature_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o our_o own_o faculty_n and_o consequent_a disability_n to_o enjoy_v they_o as_o old_a barzillai_n say_v to_o david_n 19.35_o 2_o sam._n 19.35_o can_v i_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a etc._n etc._n when_o he_o invite_v he_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o court._n and_o what_o happiness_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o that_o which_o be_v very_o unsatisfy_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o which_o be_v it_o not_o after_o a_o few_o year_n we_o shall_v be_v incapable_a of_o enjoy_v but_o to_o be_v more_o particular_a as_o for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o lust_n and_o uncleanness_n whatever_o man_n expectation_n may_v be_v of_o receive_v great_a satisfaction_n from_o they_o they_o can_v but_o find_v by_o their_o experience_n that_o there_o be_v much_o of_o disappointment_n in_o they_o and_o the_o pleasure_n much_o great_a in_o imagination_n than_o reality_n they_o be_v indeed_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o often_o make_v man_n miserable_a even_o here_o but_o never_o happy_a and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o thing_n only_o say_v not_o prove_v and_o the_o cinical_a conclusion_n of_o a_o freeze_a dispirited_a student_n who_o narrow_a course_n of_o life_n have_v make_v he_o a_o stranger_n to_o such_o sort_n of_o enjoyment_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o give_v a_o worse_a character_n of_o they_o than_o they_o deserve_v i_o shall_v vouch_v the_o testimony_n of_o solomon_n who_o fill_v the_o throne_n of_o a_o rich_a and_o flourish_a kingdom_n and_o be_v accountable_a to_o none_o but_o god_n for_o action_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o his_o desire_n perfect_o
where_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n how_o we_o be_v to_o express_v our_o charity_n to_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o it_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o in_o what_o measure_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o what_o remain_v to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o propose_a method_n i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o inquire_v whether_o in_o the_o express_v of_o our_o charity_n to_o the_o sick_a danger_n of_o infection_n will_v not_o excuse_v from_o visit_v they_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o in_o general_n that_o danger_n of_o infection_n will_v not_o excuse_v all_o from_o visit_v the_o sick_a for_o it_o will_v be_v strange_o inhuman_a and_o contrary_a to_o this_o christian_a pity_n and_o compassion_n which_o we_o be_v now_o discourse_v of_o to_o desert_n a_o poor_a helpless_a creature_n in_o his_o great_a necessity_n only_o because_o there_o be_v a_o probability_n of_o fall_v into_o the_o like_a calamity_n and_o will_v any_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v serve_v so_o himself_o some_o than_o aught_o even_o in_o case_n of_o contagion_n to_o visit_v and_o attend_v the_o sick_a but_o who_o be_v they_o for_o every_o one_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o shift_v it_o from_o himself_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o think_v the_o near_a relation_n of_o the_o party_n ought_v to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o have_v a_o double_a tie_n upon_o they_o that_o of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o of_o religion_n and_o among_o these_o relation_n those_o that_o be_v the_o most_o disengage_v from_o business_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n and_o have_v therefore_o the_o least_o obligation_n to_o come_v into_o other_o company_n where_o there_o may_v be_v danger_n of_o spread_v the_o infection_n further_o and_o likewise_o such_o as_o have_v the_o few_o dependent_n upon_o they_o that_o be_v private_a and_o single_a person_n be_v oblige_v to_o this_o duty_n before_o those_o that_o be_v of_o more_o public_a calling_n and_o have_v family_n and_o among_o these_o he_o that_o be_v most_o free_a and_o disengage_v and_o capable_a withal_o be_v the_o most_o oblige_v if_o there_o be_v no_o relation_n of_o the_o infect_a person_n whether_o he_o be_v poor_a or_o rich_a friend_n or_o enemy_n good_a or_o bad_a the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o or_o none_o that_o will_v venture_v upon_o such_o hazardous_a attendance_n i_o think_v the_o near_a neighbour_n be_v oblige_v to_o do_v it_o i.e._n the_o single_a and_o disengage_v from_o a_o necessity_n of_o public_a converse_n for_o those_o that_o have_v wife_n and_o child_n and_o family_n their_o charity_n must_v begin_v at_o home_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o relative_n be_v the_o prime_a obligation_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o a_o whole_a family_n be_v in_o most_o case_n to_o be_v prefer_v to_o that_o of_o a_o single_a person_n and_o those_o who_o necessary_a employment_n call_v they_o into_o much_o company_n be_v bind_v to_o avoid_v what_o will_v endanger_v their_o bring_v infection_n to_o that_o company_n and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n as_o before_o because_o the_o safety_n of_o many_o be_v general_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o that_o of_o one_o and_o those_o upon_o who_o life_n depend_v under_o god_n the_o maintenance_n and_o support_v of_o divers_a person_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o person_n shall_v be_v very_o careful_a to_o preserve_v themselves_o only_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o such_o as_o upon_o these_o and_o the_o like_a account_n can_v personal_o visit_v and_o attend_v the_o infect_a person_n viz._n that_o they_o take_v great_a care_n to_o procure_v other_o that_o may_v do_v it_o and_o according_a to_o their_o ability_n and_o the_o want_v of_o the_o person_n to_o send_v supply_n of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a and_o there_o be_v very_o many_o who_o though_o they_o will_v not_o venture_v their_o life_n for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o to_o gain_v the_o reward_n of_o be_v merciful_a in_o the_o other_o world_n yet_o for_o money_n they_o will_v do_v it_o and_o therefore_o such_o encouragement_n must_v not_o be_v want_v from_o those_o that_o be_v of_o ability_n as_o for_o physician_n and_o clergyman_n who_o profession_n engage_v they_o to_o converse_v with_o great_a number_n of_o people_n how_o far_o they_o be_v oblige_v in_o this_o matter_n i_o think_v may_v be_v resolve_v thus_o if_o only_o one_o person_n in_o a_o parish_n or_o neighbourhood_n or_o but_o a_o few_o in_o comparison_n with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o man_n be_v contagious_o sick_a to_o i_o it_o seem_v that_o neither_o physician_n nor_o divine_a be_v in_o such_o case_n oblige_v personal_o to_o visit_v they_o but_o rather_o to_o forbear_v and_o only_o to_o convey_v to_o they_o by_o other_o hand_n what_o be_v needful_a for_o their_o bodily_a and_o ghostly_a health_n respective_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o physician_n and_o divine_n be_v often_o send_v for_o to_o divers_a family_n must_v either_o not_o go_v after_o they_o have_v visit_v a_o infect_a person_n and_o so_o neglect_v their_o duty_n and_o many_o suffer_v and_o some_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o their_o assistance_n or_o if_o they_o shall_v go_v will_v very_o probable_o endanger_v the_o whole_a neighbourhood_n and_o therefore_o the_o safety_n of_o great_a number_n of_o people_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o that_o of_o one_o or_o but_o a_o few_o they_o ought_v i_o think_v in_o this_o case_n to_o keep_v at_o distance_n but_o when_o a_o contagion_n spread_v so_o that_o it_o become_v epidemical_a and_o the_o great_a number_n of_o person_n be_v seize_v with_o it_o than_o the_o case_n be_v alter_v and_o then_o i_o think_v both_o physician_n and_o divine_n be_v bind_v to_o visit_v personal_o for_o in_o such_o case_n to_o send_v relief_n by_o other_o hand_n whether_o medicine_n or_o ghostly_a comfort_n and_o advice_n will_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o sick_a become_v impracticable_a and_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o that_o be_v well_o to_o deprive_v a_o great_a number_n that_o be_v sick_a of_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o personal_a visit_n of_o physician_n which_o for_o many_o reason_n prove_v more_o effectual_a than_o prescribe_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o of_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o prayer_n and_o more_o close_a and_o particular_a discourse_n of_o divine_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v much_o more_o beneficial_a and_o make_v a_o deep_a impression_n upon_o the_o soul_n than_o several_a advice_n and_o exhortation_n send_v in_o write_v and_o divine_n in_o this_o case_n seem_v to_o be_v more_o oblige_v than_o physician_n though_o the_o obligation_n be_v very_o strong_a upon_o physician_n too_o and_o that_o because_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o that_o of_o the_o body_n and_o if_o it_o perish_v it_o perish_v for_o ever_o and_o will_v at_o length_n involve_v the_o body_n too_o in_o the_o same_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o for_o a_o shepherd_n to_o desert_n his_o flock_n in_o their_o great_a necessity_n to_o leave_v the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n of_o his_o help_n and_o the_o infernal_a lion_n roar_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o great_a barbarity_n and_o most_o base_a betray_v that_o great_a trust_n that_o be_v possible_a the_o good_a shepherd_n say_v our_o lord_n give_v his_o life_n for_o his_o sheep_n and_o he_o the_o great_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n set_v the_o example_n but_o the_o hireling_n flee_v because_o he_o be_v a_o hireling_n and_o care_v not_o for_o the_o sheep_n and_o the_o wolf_n catch_v and_o scatter_v and_o devour_v they_o john_n 10.12_o 13._o we_o shall_v remember_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_o powerful_a and_o can_v protect_v even_o from_o the_o noisome_a pestilence_n if_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o nothing_o more_o entitle_v a_o man_n to_o the_o peculiar_a protection_n of_o the_o almighty_a than_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o however_o it_o may_v fare_v with_o we_o here_o there_o be_v a_o glorious_a recompense_n reserve_v for_o so_o great_a a_o charity_n in_o a_o better_a world_n proceed_v we_o now_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v upon_o this_o subject_a which_o be_v to_o show_v what_o great_a encouragement_n we_o have_v to_o this_o excellent_a duty_n of_o charity_n or_o what_o a_o blessedness_n it_o be_v to_o be_v able_a thus_o to_o give_v rather_o than_o to_o receive_v and_o that_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n and_o that_o to_o come_v for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n with_o relation_n to_o this_o world_n what_o can_v be_v a_o great_a pleasure_n to_o a_o generous_a spirit_n than_o to_o be_v the_o happy_a
better_a and_o if_o a_o man_n be_v as_o poor_a and_o despicable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o lazarus_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v of_o a_o content_v resign_v soul_n and_o make_v it_o his_o endeavour_n to_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n he_o at_o length_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n while_o many_o rich_a that_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n shall_v be_v send_v empty_a away_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o namely_o that_o from_o a_o man_n prosperous_a or_o adverse_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v no_o judgement_n to_o be_v make_v concern_v his_o final_a condition_n in_o the_o next_o the_o second_o thing_n it_o inform_v we_o of_o be_v that_o whatever_o change_n be_v make_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o its_o departure_n from_o this_o world_n its_o state_n shall_v be_v from_o thenceforth_o for_o ever_o unalterable_a for_o so_o in_o the_o parable_n when_o the_o rich_a man_n be_v in_o torment_n lift_v up_o his_o eye_n and_o see_v abraham_n afar_o off_o and_o lazarus_n in_o his_o bosom_n and_o cry_v and_o say_v father_n abraham_n have_v mercy_n on_o i_o and_o send_v lazarus_n that_o he_o may_v dip_v the_o tip_n of_o his_o finger_n in_o water_n and_o cool_v my_o tongue_n for_o i_o be_o torment_v in_o this_o flame_n abraham_n after_o he_o have_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o life-time_n receive_v his_o good_a thing_n and_o lazarus_n his_o evil_n thing_n and_o that_o then_o there_o be_v a_o great_a and_o unexpected_a change_n and_o lazarus_n be_v comfort_v and_o he_o torment_v he_o add_v moreover_o that_o between_o he_o and_o they_o there_o be_v a_o great_a gulf_n fix_v so_o that_o those_o which_o will_v pass_v from_o thence_o to_o he_o can_v not_o neither_o can_v any_o pass_v from_o he_o to_o they_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o gulf_n fix_v between_o heaven_n and_o hell_n which_o hinder_v any_o comfort_n or_o relief_n come_v from_o thence_o to_o that_o miserable_a place_n or_o any_o trouble_n or_o annoyance_n from_o that_o place_n to_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o condition_n both_o of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o righteous_a remain_v unchangeable_o happy_a or_o miserable_a respective_o have_v be_v much_o controvert_v especial_o among_o the_o schoolman_n but_o it_o tend_v to_o very_o little_a edification_n to_o relate_v their_o opinion_n most_o of_o which_o be_v very_o frivolous_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v what_o be_v the_o most_o receive_a opinion_n in_o our_o church_n by_o the_o gulf_n fix_v we_o suppose_v be_v only_o mean_v god_n irreversible_a decree_n that_o those_o who_o wickedness_n make_v they_o incapable_a of_o the_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o sink_v they_o down_o to_o hell_n shall_v for_o ever_o remain_v there_o without_o any_o hope_n of_o comfort_n or_o relief_n and_o that_o the_o righteous_a likewise_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o life_n and_o happiness_n everlasting_a and_o such_o as_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o lessen_v or_o disturb_v and_o this_o methinks_v to_o any_o sensible_a man_n shall_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o opinion_n the_o most_o reasonable_a and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a write_n now_o here_o it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o while_n since_o the_o rich_a man_n punishment_n be_v express_v by_o his_o be_v torment_v in_o flame_n and_o doom_v to_o be_v for_o ever_o so_o to_o satisfy_v two_o query_n usual_o put_v in_o this_o case_n as_o first_o why_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n be_v express_v by_o flame_n and_o burn_a and_o second_o how_o it_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a justice_n to_o punish_v the_o transient_a act_n of_o sin_n with_o such_o a_o endless_a misery_n to_o the_o first_o i_o return_v this_o answer_n as_o to_o i_o the_o most_o satisfactory_a though_o i_o believe_v that_o at_o the_o general_a conflagration_n when_o the_o heaven_n shall_v be_v shrink_v up_o as_o a_o scorch_a parchment_n and_o the_o element_n melt_v with_o fervent_a heat_n and_o the_o world_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o be_v burn_v up_o though_o i_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v then_o take_v vengeance_n of_o his_o enemy_n in_o real_a flame_n of_o fire_n which_o shall_v for_o ever_o encircle_v and_o prey_v upon_o their_o body_n yet_o i_o think_v that_o will_v be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o their_o torment_n and_o that_o the_o extremity_n of_o it_o will_v consist_v in_o the_o inward_a trouble_n of_o their_o mind_n arise_v from_o a_o impatient_a appetite_n and_o continual_a thirst_n after_o that_o felicity_n which_o they_o know_v through_o their_o own_o default_n they_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o enjoy_v and_o that_o such_o vehement_a desire_n and_o the_o passion_n consequent_a upon_o the_o disappointment_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v flame_n and_o burn_a be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v usual_a in_o our_o common_a manner_n of_o speak_v and_o the_o expression_n of_o fervent_a and_o ardent_a desire_n be_v often_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o holy_a writing_n too_o particular_o where_o david_n say_v my_o soul_n break_v out_o with_o the_o very_a fervent_a desire_n it_o have_v always_o to_o thy_o commandment_n and_o rage_n and_o fury_n and_o impatience_n and_o the_o like_a which_o attend_v unsatisfied_a desire_n be_v likewise_o frequent_o attend_v with_o the_o epithet_n of_o fire_n as_o every_o one_o must_v needs_o have_v observe_v now_o man_n have_v a_o innate_a uncontrollable_a thirst_n after_o happiness_n and_o which_o be_v always_o equal_o intense_a and_o that_o to_o the_o high_a degree_n when_o as_o the_o punishment_n of_o his_o rebellion_n against_o god_n his_o foolish_a and_o wicked_a choice_n here_o his_o pursuit_n after_o lower_v good_a and_o neglect_v of_o the_o supreme_a he_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o banish_v to_o a_o infinite_a distance_n not_o only_o from_o the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n but_o from_o every_o stream_n and_o participation_n of_o it_o which_o here_o below_o cool_v his_o heat_n a_o little_a and_o for_o the_o present_a gratify_v that_o his_o desire_n and_o yet_o the_o appetite_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o continue_v as_o great_a as_o ever_o and_o the_o wretch_n withal_o sensible_a of_o the_o utter_a impossibility_n of_o attain_v it_o and_o that_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o drop_n from_o that_o fountain_n of_o bliss_n shall_v ever_o be_v give_v to_o allay_v his_o thirst_n and_o cool_v his_o parch_a and_o inflame_v tongue_n his_o desire_n must_v for_o ever_o be_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n crave_v and_o importunate_a in_o vain_a and_o be_v continual_o thus_o disappoint_v his_o impatience_n will_v still_o grow_v hot_a and_o hot_a and_o his_o remorse_n for_o bring_v this_o upon_o himself_o turn_v to_o eternal_a rage_n and_o fury_n and_o boil_v up_o like_o river_n of_o inflame_a brimstone_n the_o fire_n will_v be_v everlasting_a and_o what_o a_o calenture_n think_v we_o will_v the_o whole_a man_n be_v in_o when_o without_o the_o fierce_a material_a flame_n shall_v prey_v upon_o the_o body_n and_o hot_a fire_n within_o torment_n the_o soul_n and_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n seem_v to_o i_o not_o obscure_o hint_v in_o the_o rich_a man_n lift_v up_o his_o eye_n in_o his_o torment_n and_o when_o he_o see_v the_o happy_a state_n of_o lazarus_n in_o abraham_n bosom_n beg_v he_o to_o impart_v though_o but_o one_o drop_n of_o that_o bliss_n he_o enjoy_v to_o cool_v his_o parch_a tongue_n his_o desire_n of_o that_o happiness_n be_v in_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o ardency_n and_o when_o he_o see_v lazarus_n in_o abraham_n bosom_n than_o he_o cry_v out_o father_n abraham_n have_v mercy_n on_o i_o for_o i_o be_o torment_v in_o this_o flame_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o query_n to_o the_o second_o i_o return_v this_o in_o brief_a that_o since_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a possible_a evil_a it_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o strong_a tie_v and_o obligation_n a_o opposition_n and_o contrariety_n to_o the_o supreme_a good_a and_o in_o no_o case_n eligible_a as_o every_o consider_a man_n must_v needs_o confess_v it_o can_v be_v too_o rigorous_o deal_v with_o even_o by_o the_o infliction_n of_o the_o great_a possible_a punishment_n for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o proportion_n between_o the_o great_a evil_a and_o the_o great_a punishment_n as_o between_o a_o lesser_a evil_a and_o a_o lesser_a punishment_n and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o will_v say_v there_o can_v never_o be_v any_o proportion_n between_o a_o fault_n and_o its_o punishment_n i_o think_v we_o must_v own_v there_o be_v proportion_n here_o now_o the_o use_v we_o may_v make_v of_o this_o second_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n be_v this_o that_o since_o the_o consequence_n of_o a_o life_n of_o wickedness_n be_v so_o dreadful_a and_o remediless_a a_o
more_o and_o more_o to_o soften_v their_o heart_n and_o make_v they_o pliable_a to_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o it_o may_v sink_v deep_a into_o their_o soul_n and_o be_v fix_v there_o beyond_o the_o danger_n of_o yield_v to_o every_o temptation_n and_o wither_v when_o adversity_n shall_v come_v they_o must_v not_o boggle_v at_o any_o thing_n that_o appear_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n but_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o rid_v their_o mind_n of_o their_o former_a evil_a habit_n and_o inclination_n and_o inure_v themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n not_o pretend_v hardship_n or_o impossibility_n when_o he_o command_v not_o endeavour_v to_o lessen_v the_o obligation_n of_o any_o of_o his_o precept_n or_o shift_v it_o from_o themselves_o nor_o expect_v heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n but_o know_v their_o lord_n will_n endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o in_o sincerity_n upon_o such_o obedience_n only_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n hope_v for_o the_o promise_n and_o this_o course_n like_o good_a tillage_n and_o manure_v of_o our_o ground_n will_v soon_o mollify_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o not_o only_o superficial_o but_o entire_o pliable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n receptive_a of_o its_o impression_n to_o the_o very_a bottom_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v dwell_v in_o we_o rich_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n not_o only_o in_o time_n of_o security_n and_o peace_n but_o even_o then_o when_o tribulation_n shall_v arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n and_o take_v still_o deep_a root_n and_o bring_v forth_o great_a abundance_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o storm_n and_o scorching_n of_o persecution_n or_o even_o a_o fiery_a trial_n three_o in_o order_n to_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n we_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o it_o be_v not_o like_a seed_n that_o fall_v among_o thorn_n lest_o the_o thorn_n spring_v up_o and_o choke_v it_o so_o that_o it_o yield_v no_o fruit._n that_o be_v that_o after_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n we_o go_v not_o forth_o and_o suffer_v the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n to_o enter_v in_o and_o choke_v the_o word_n and_o it_o become_v utter_o unfruitful_a or_o at_o least_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n it_o be_v by_o a_o lamentable_a experience_n too_o true_a that_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n very_o much_o hinder_v our_o provision_n for_o the_o next_o and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n in_o nature_n because_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v upon_o all_o account_n so_o infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o present_a that_o there_o can_v be_v the_o least_o competition_n between_o they_o for_o how_o can_v a_o world_n of_o care_n and_o vexation_n of_o misery_n and_o affliction_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o hazard_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o sickness_n pain_n and_o death_n as_o this_o be_v compare_v with_o a_o world_n of_o eternal_a unmixed_a and_o uninterrupted_a happiness_n as_o be_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o one_o will_v think_v man_n shall_v be_v so_o wise_a and_o so_o much_o their_o own_o friend_n as_o to_o bestow_v their_o great_a endeavour_n in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o main_a interest_n and_o not_o on_o the_o contrary_a such_o egregious_a fool_n as_o for_o the_o gain_n of_o a_o empty_a bubble_n to_o forfeit_v a_o happy_a eternity_n so_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o care_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v very_o allowable_a to_o mind_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n for_o every_o man_n to_o be_v industrious_a in_o his_o call_v and_o to_o enjoy_v with_o thanksgiving_n the_o portion_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o here_o below_o but_o to_o invert_v god_n order_n and_o place_n that_o first_o in_o our_o esteem_n which_o shall_v be_v last_o when_o he_o say_v seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o then_o all_o needful_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o to_o run_v quite_o counter_a and_o first_o provide_v for_o abundance_n here_o and_o then_o and_o that_o but_o very_o cold_o god_n know_v think_v a_o little_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n this_o be_v such_o a_o preposterous_a course_n as_o can_v never_o end_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o shame_n and_o confusion_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o gain_n of_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v be_v a_o very_a unprofitable_a exchange_n when_o compare_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v follow_v upon_o the_o unfruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o faith_n alone_o will_v not_o save_v but_o must_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o final_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o too_o great_a love_n and_o eager_a prosecution_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n will_v choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o unfruitful_a as_o our_o lord_n in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n affirm_v it_o will_v if_o all_o this_o be_v true_a i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o that_o such_o as_o have_v a_o desire_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v fruitful_a in_o their_o soul_n in_o order_n to_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o they_o must_v love_v the_o world_n less_o and_o their_o soul_n more_o must_v be_v careful_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o clear_v their_o mind_n of_o these_o worldly_a thorn_n and_o briar_n lest_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v stifle_v and_o that_o seed_n choke_v which_o alone_o can_v fructify_v to_o a_o happy_a immortality_n we_o must_v use_v this_o world_n yet_o so_o as_o not_o to_o abuse_v it_o but_o certain_o he_o abuse_v it_o and_o all_o the_o blessing_n that_o god_n afford_v he_o in_o it_o who_o so_o immoderate_o dote_v upon_o it_o as_o to_o prefer_v it_o before_o the_o service_n of_o his_o great_a benefactor_n and_o spend_v most_o of_o his_o thought_n and_o endeavour_n about_o the_o increase_a wealth_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o sublunary_a pleasure_n and_o can_v spare_v but_o very_o little_a if_o any_o of_o his_o time_n and_o pain_n to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o glory_n and_o yet_o as_o plain_a as_o this_o be_v man_n be_v general_o so_o little_o affect_v with_o it_o as_o not_o only_o to_o neglect_v religion_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o and_o love_v the_o world_n still_o more_o and_o more_o but_o even_o to_o plead_v the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n as_o a_o excuse_n for_o their_o coolness_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o unfruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o their_o soul_n we_o will_v be_v often_o at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o more_o constant_a in_o at_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o read_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o hurry_n of_o business_n take_v up_o most_o of_o our_o time_n and_o thought_n but_o for_o god_n sake_n let_v such_o consider_v be_v that_o a_o excuse_v which_o be_v it_o self_n as_o great_a a_o fault_n as_o any_o will_v god_n accept_v such_o a_o excuse_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n have_v he_o not_o plain_o forewarn_v we_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o too_o much_o worldly_a mindedness_n have_v not_o st._n john_n say_v plain_o 2.15_o 1_o joh._n 2.15_o love_v not_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n for_o whoso_o love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o and_o our_o lord_n as_o plain_o you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n how_o strange_a a_o plea_n than_o be_v it_o for_o the_o neglect_v of_o religion_n to_o say_v we_o be_v deep_o engage_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a if_o we_o believe_v we_o have_v soul_n to_o be_v save_v methinks_v we_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o as_o for_o this_o world_n a_o moderate_a industry_n such_o as_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n entrench_v upon_o religion_n be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v justify_v and_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n about_o their_o take_a care_n of_o lesser_a matter_n and_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v our_o rule_n in_o provide_v for_o our_o family_n and_o provide_v for_o our_o soul_n these_o thing_n ought_v you_o to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o to_o have_v leave_v the_o other_o undo_v he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o house_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o necessity_n and_o moderation_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n
deceive_v his_o own_o soul_n from_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v he_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o it_o to_o enrich_v his_o industrious_a brother_n and_o add_v to_o his_o abundance_n what_o grace_n he_o have_v before_o shall_v be_v withdraw_v and_o he_o naked_a and_o defenseless_a leave_v to_o the_o fury_n of_o his_o spiritual_a enemy_n the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n shall_v no_o long_o drop_v upon_o his_o barren_a soul_n but_o parch_a and_o sapless_a it_o shall_v be_v reserve_v to_o eternal_a burn_n consider_v this_o all_o you_o that_o forget_v god_n and_o be_v unfruitful_a under_o all_o his_o care_n and_o fatherly_a nurture_n and_o admonition_n lest_o at_o length_n he_o pluck_v you_o away_o and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v you_o and_o remember_v the_o word_n of_o solomon_n prov._n 29.1_o he_o that_o be_v often_o reprove_v still_o harden_v his_o neck_n shall_v sudden_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o without_o remedy_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o do_v with_o the_o first_o of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n in_o which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o a_o blessing_n and_o a_o curse_n a_o blessing_n if_o when_o the_o good_a seed_n be_v sow_o and_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n we_o receive_v it_o into_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o according_a to_o our_o several_a ability_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n that_o be_v obey_v and_o practise_v it_o with_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n and_o a_o curse_n if_o we_o remain_v still_o barren_a and_o unfruitful_a not_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v ourselves_o into_o eternal_a perdition_n it_o become_v we_o all_o therefore_o to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o hear_v and_o not_o be_v like_o the_o high-way-side_n suffer_v our_o thought_n to_o wander_v from_o the_o instruction_n we_o have_v hear_v and_o leave_v the_o good_a seed_n unregarded_a to_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o soul_n and_o expose_v our_o mind_n as_o a_o common_a tract_n to_o vain_a and_o wicked_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n and_o diabolical_a suggestion_n nor_o like_o the_o stony_a ground_n impenetrable_a to_o any_o deep_a and_o last_a impression_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n nor_o like_o that_o overrun_v with_o thorn_n and_o briar_n and_o noxious_a weed_n such_o as_o be_v the_o care_n and_o deceitful_a riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n which_o will_v choke_v the_o word_n and_o render_v it_o unfruitful_a but_o that_o we_o treasure_n up_o this_o divine_a word_n in_o our_o memory_n ponder_v and_o consider_v it_o and_o set_v our_o love_n and_o affection_n upon_o it_o so_o shall_v it_o grow_v and_o prosper_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o some_o thirty_o in_o some_o sixty_o in_o some_o a_o hundred-fold_a to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n now_o 9.10_o 2_o cor._n 9.10_o he_o that_o minister_v seed_n to_o the_o sour_a both_o give_v we_o this_o heavenly_a bread_n for_o our_o food_n and_o multiply_v the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o and_o increase_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o righteousness_n that_o be_v enrich_v in_o every_o good_a thing_n to_o all_o bountifulness_n there_o may_v be_v give_v through_o we_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n amen_o amen_n the_o prayer_n i._o most_o holy_a jesus_n thou_o bless_a author_n of_o the_o best_a religion_n who_o have_v in_o great_a plenty_n sow_o among_o we_o the_o seed_n of_o a_o happy_a immortality_n even_o thy_o holy_a word_n and_o water_v it_o with_o the_o dew_n of_o thy_o heavenly_a grace_n and_o be_v want_v in_o nothing_o on_o thy_o part_n to_o cause_v it_o to_o flourish_v and_o bring_v forth_o abundant_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n i_o thy_o unworthy_a servant_n unfeigned_o bless_v this_o thy_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o tender_a care_n for_o the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o must_v with_o shame_n confess_v that_o hitherto_o thy_o care_n have_v be_v in_o too_o great_a measure_n defeat_v by_o my_o inconsiderateness_n and_o obstinacy_n my_o soul_n still_o remain_v barren_a as_o the_o high-way-side_n impenetrable_a to_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o at_o best_o flit_a and_o unconstant_a in_o religious_a purpose_n which_o have_v be_v short-lived_a as_o the_o grass_n that_o grow_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o rock_n or_o else_o choke_v with_o the_o briar_n of_o worldly_a care_n and_o distraction_n with_o covetous_a and_o sensual_a desire_n thus_o have_v i_o court_v death_n in_o the_o error_n of_o my_o life_n but_o now_o be_v awaken_v by_o thy_o mercy_n and_o become_v sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n i_o be_o in_o and_o the_o sad_a consequence_n if_o my_o barrenness_n continue_v i_o humble_o beg_v and_o earnest_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o thou_o from_o who_o be_v all_o our_o sufficiency_n will_v aid_v i_o with_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n and_o help_v my_o infirmity_n and_o strengthen_v i_o mighty_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n that_o thy_o word_n may_v ever_o hereafter_o take_v so_o deep_a a_o root_n in_o my_o soul_n as_o to_o produce_v the_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o christianity_n ii_o i_o be_o sad_o sensible_a o_o lord_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o do_v thou_o therefore_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o our_o spirit_n purge_v my_o soul_n of_o all_o lurk_a hypocrisy_n and_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o will_v hinder_v the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o this_o heavenly_a seed_n and_o make_v i_o apt_a to_o receive_v and_o cherish_v it_o by_o create_v in_o i_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o renew_v a_o sincere_a and_o right_a spirit_n within_o i_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v so_o serious_o attend_v to_o and_o consider_v the_o great_a truth_n thy_o goodness_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o entire_o to_o assent_v to_o they_o and_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o conform_v my_o practice_n to_o my_o belief_n and_o may_v i_o always_o heedful_o preserve_v those_o divine_a instruction_n and_o move_a argument_n to_o a_o persevere_v piety_n which_o i_o have_v learn_v from_o thy_o word_n lest_o the_o infernal_a bird_n of_o prey_n deprive_v i_o of_o the_o good_a seed_n and_o in_o its_o room_n plant_v devilish_a affection_n and_o o_o that_o patience_n and_o hope_n and_o a_o humble_a dependence_n upon_o thou_o for_o direction_n and_o defence_n may_v be_v my_o support_n in_o this_o my_o pilgrimage_n that_o so_o cheerful_o run_v the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o i_o and_o thankful_o acknowledge_v the_o early_a influence_n of_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n in_o my_o tender_a year_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o late_a distillation_n of_o thy_o grace_n which_o will_v bring_v my_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n and_o always_o endeavour_v of_o proportion_n my_o increase_n to_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o it_o thy_o goodness_n have_v vouchsafe_v i_o i_o may_v at_o last_o escape_v the_o intolerable_a punishment_n of_o unfruitfulness_n and_o have_v my_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n the_o end_n may_v be_v everlasting_a life_n through_o thy_o merit_n and_o mercy_n o_o bless_a saviour_n jesus_n amen_n parable_n ii_o of_o the_o tare_n matth._n xiii_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29_o 30._o another_o parable_n put_v jesus_n forth_o unto_o they_o say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v liken_v unto_o a_o man_n that_o sow_v good_a seed_n in_o his_o field_n but_o while_o man_n sleep_v his_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n and_o go_v his_o way_n but_o when_o the_o blade_n be_v spring_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n than_o appear_v the_o tare_n also_o so_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o housholder_n come_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o sir_n do_v not_o thou_o sow_v good_a seed_n in_o thy_o field_n from_o whence_o then_o have_v it_o tare_n he_o say_v unto_o they_o a_o enemy_n have_v do_v this_o the_o servant_n say_v unto_o he_o will_v 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will_v unhallow_a and_o make_v ineffecutal_a one_o duty_n of_o christianity_n i_o can_v see_v why_o it_o shall_v not_o do_v the_o like_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o if_o a_o separation_n be_v admit_v upon_o such_o account_n as_o as_o these_o there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o external_a communion_n of_o saint_n because_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o world_n that_o the_o bad_a will_v be_v intermix_v with_o the_o good_a as_o tare_n be_v in_o a_o field_n of_o wheat_n and_o as_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o particular_a minister_n i_o charitable_o hope_v none_o do_v admit_v of_o notorious_a offender_n to_o the_o communion_n without_o receive_v satisfactory_a mark_n of_o their_o repentance_n or_o at_o least_o by_o previous_a discourse_n or_o writing_n when_o they_o know_v of_o their_o intention_n to_o communicate_v let_v they_o know_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o receive_v unworthy_o and_o urge_v they_o to_o a_o immediate_a sincere_a repentance_n or_o else_o forbid_v they_o at_o their_o peril_n to_o approach_v the_o holy_a table_n and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o they_o will_v come_v we_o be_v to_o suppose_v in_o charity_n that_o they_o have_v repent_v except_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o the_o contrary_n and_o if_o a_o minister_n see_v one_o at_o the_o table_n who_o life_n have_v in_o many_o instance_n to_o his_o knowledge_n be_v very_o faulty_a unless_o the_o crime_n have_v be_v very_o great_a and_o very_o notorious_a to_o reject_v such_o a_o one_o i_o think_v with_o submission_n will_v be_v arrogant_a and_o uncharitable_a and_o may_v exasperate_v the_o man_n to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n as_o to_o make_v he_o throw_v off_o all_o regard_n to_o religion_n for_o the_o future_a and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o exhortation_n appoint_v to_o be_v read_v at_o the_o time_n of_o celebrate_v those_o holy_a mystery_n shall_v one_o will_v think_v be_v warn_v sufficient_a for_o such_o a_o one_o if_o unrepentant_a to_o withdraw_v and_o if_o he_o stay_v charity_n will_v incline_v one_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v penitent_a and_o if_o a_o person_n kneel_v by_o who_o perhaps_o know_v much_o more_o of_o the_o man_n course_n of_o life_n than_o the_o minister_n shall_v be_v offend_v at_o his_o communicate_v one_o that_o receive_v so_o unworthy_o and_o speak_v hard_a thing_n of_o he_o and_o abstain_v from_o that_o bless_a ordinance_n upon_o this_o account_n for_o the_o future_a as_o profane_v by_o such_o mix_v company_n at_o it_o this_o be_v high_o unreasonable_a uncharitable_a and_o unnatural_a it_o be_v unreasonable_a with_o relation_n to_o their_o hard_a thought_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o minister_n because_o charity_n oblige_v he_o to_o think_v well_o of_o such_o as_o present_v themselves_o at_o the_o holy_a table_n unless_o there_o be_v great_a and_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o their_o obstinate_a and_o continue_a wickedness_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o dare_v say_v no_o pious_a minister_n will_v prostitute_v those_o holy_a symbol_n to_o such_o swine_n and_o where_o there_o be_v not_o such_o evidence_n minister_n can_v search_v man_n heart_n no_o more_o than_o other_o man_n and_o therefore_o must_v hope_v the_o best_a and_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n and_o shall_v they_o communicate_v some_o that_o receive_v unworthy_o by_o this_o mean_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v they_o too_o often_o do_v why_o shall_v they_o be_v blame_v for_o that_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o help_v and_o asperse_v and_o all_o further_a communion_n with_o they_o desert_a for_o suffer_v that_o ignorant_o which_o god_n though_o the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n permit_v in_o his_o church_n without_o any_o open_a discrimination_n namely_o the_o bad_a to_o join_v in_o all_o holy_a office_n with_o the_o good_a and_o this_o practice_n be_v as_o uncharitable_a as_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a because_o it_o be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v those_o as_o reprobate_n obstinate_a unrepent_v sinner_n who_o heart_n we_o can_v see_v and_o who_o though_o former_o egregious_o wicked_a yet_o now_o through_o the_o mighty_a efficacy_n of_o god_n convert_v grace_n may_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v better_o than_o ourselves_o and_o it_o be_v a_o unnatural_a practice_n too_o because_o it_o be_v the_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o comfort_n that_o attend_v the_o reception_n of_o that_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o those_o of_o union_n and_o brotherly_a love_n mere_o upon_o a_o groundless_a nicety_n let_v we_o all_o rather_o learn_v not_o to_o judge_v other_o before_o the_o time_n but_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o the_o unerring_a judgement_n of_o our_o great_a master_n at_o the_o last_o day_n lest_o by_o judge_v other_o we_o condemn_v ourselves_o who_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o it_o may_v be_v worse_o and_o instead_o of_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o some_o come_v and_o be_v admit_v to_o it_o who_o we_o think_v and_o it_o may_v be_v not_o without_o reason_n be_v not_o so_o well_o prepare_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v endeavour_v to_o make_v our_o self_n still_o more_o and_o more_o fit_a for_o so_o holy_a a_o ordinance_n by_o a_o daily_a amendment_n of_o life_n and_o then_o our_o fleece_n like_o that_o of_o gideon_n shall_v be_v moisten_v though_o other_o man_n be_v dry_a the_o apostle_n be_v never_o the_o less_o dear_a to_o our_o saviour_n for_o judas_n his_o be_v among_o they_o but_o the_o more_o so_o rather_o and_o though_o through_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n satan_n enter_v into_o he_o after_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o sop_n our_o lord_n give_v he_o at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o passover_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n do_v partake_v of_o what_o he_o consecrate_v in_o memory_n of_o his_o succeed_a death_n and_o suffering_n yet_o the_o rest_n receive_v miraculous_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n and_o for_o certain_a have_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o i_o hope_v this_o will_n satissy_a for_o the_o future_a such_o as_o upon_o this_o account_n have_v abstain_v from_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o censure_v the_o minister_n of_o our_o church_n and_o though_o without_o all_o reason_n our_o church_n itself_o and_o as_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o matter_n have_v be_v no_o impertinent_a digression_n so_o i_o hope_v it_o may_v be_v a_o beneficial_a one_o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o namely_o the_o time_n when_o god_n and_o our_o great_a enemy_n the_o devil_n sow_n his_o tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n and_o that_o be_v while_o man_n sleep_v for_o so_o the_o parable_n while_o man_n sleep_v the_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n and_o go_v his_o way_n then_o be_v the_o time_n of_o his_o inject_v his_o wicked_a insinuation_n into_o man_n heart_n whereby_o to_o make_v they_o become_v like_o empty_a tare_n christian_n in_o name_n and_o appearance_n only_o but_o devoid_a of_o the_o substantial_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o that_o holy_a profession_n by_o man_n sleep_a be_v here_o mean_v a_o careless_a inadvertency_n and_o neglect_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n a_o stupid_a security_n in_o a_o thoughtless_a way_n of_o life_n and_o this_o be_v a_o metaphor_n which_o the_o sacred_a writer_n have_v often_o make_v use_n of_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o it_o be_v so_o expressive_a of_o what_o they_o will_v represent_v by_o it_o that_o it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o while_n brief_o to_o consider_v wherein_o the_o likeness_n of_o such_o thoughtless_a inadvertency_n in_o religious_a matter_n to_o sleep_v do_v consist_v it_o be_v like_o it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n in_o its_o cause_n for_o as_o toil_n and_o labour_n and_o any_o thing_n that_o bring_v weariness_n and_o consume_v the_o spirit_n dispose_v the_o body_n to_o sleep_v and_o make_v it_o desire_v rest_n and_o ease_n that_o it_o may_v have_v a_o recruit_v so_o this_o moral_a drowsiness_n or_o hebetude_n of_o the_o soul_n general_o begin_v to_o creep_v upon_o man_n when_o they_o find_v difficulty_n in_o religion_n a_o little_a strive_v soon_o put_v they_o out_o of_o heart_n their_o hand_n fall_v their_o knee_n grow_v feeble_a their_o soul_n faint_v within_o they_o all_o hope_n of_o victory_n be_v then_o lay_v aside_o and_o they_o sit_v they_o down_o as_o man_n quite_o spend_v and_o then_o steal_v that_o deep_a sleep_n upon_o they_o which_o too_o often_o end_v in_o death_n thus_o we_o often_o see_v man_n set_v very_o brisk_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n at_o first_o and_o seem_v wondrous_o please_v with_o their_o new_a choice_n and_o admire_v at_o their_o stupidity_n that_o they_o do_v not_o soon_o discover_v the_o transcendent_a beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o be_v resolve_v
either_o whole_o deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o or_o turn_v it_o into_o poison_n and_o instead_o of_o disarm_v a_o misfortune_n by_o humble_a submission_n to_o the_o infinite_o wise_a and_o just_a and_o good_a disposal_n of_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o all_o thing_n add_v a_o thousand_o sharp_a thing_n to_o it_o and_o make_v that_o become_v intolerable_a which_o religion_n will_v have_v make_v to_o sit_v light_n and_o easy_a again_o content_a be_v destroy_v by_o irreligion_n because_o it_o persuade_v man_n that_o their_o whole_a interest_n lie_v here_o below_o either_o by_o make_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o another_o world_n or_o else_o by_o engage_v they_o so_o fast_o to_o this_o as_o to_o hinder_v their_o attend_v to_o any_o thing_n beyond_o this_o life_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o be_v great_a eagerness_n in_o acquire_v these_o low_a good_n impatient_a desire_n of_o still_o more_o and_o more_o of_o the_o world_n as_o that_o in_o which_o be_v concentre_v their_o whole_a happiness_n and_o what_o else_o can_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o amid_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n that_o attend_v these_o sublunary_a thing_n but_o a_o world_n of_o trouble_n and_o discontent_n answerable_a to_o those_o numerous_a cross_a accident_n and_o disappointment_n which_o every_o condition_n be_v full_a of_o from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a every_o unlucky_a hit_v to_o such_o man_n be_v like_o a_o dagger_n stab_v to_o the_o very_a heart_n for_o that_o which_o a_o man_n look_v upon_o as_o his_o chief_a good_a he_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n endure_v to_o have_v lessen_v and_o impair_v and_o the_o world_n be_v so_o full_a of_o such_o vexatious_a mishap_n how_o full_a of_o wound_n must_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o ungodly_a worldling_n and_o as_o content_v so_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v much_o more_o than_o a_o submissive_a acquiescence_n in_o our_o present_a condition_n and_o suppose_v a_o happiness_n that_o be_v complete_a and_o full_a this_o be_v a_o blessing_n which_o nothing_o but_o sincere_a religion_n can_v ever_o make_v the_o soul_n experience_n and_o he_o only_o that_o have_v learned_a to_o make_v god_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o his_o affection_n and_o desire_n can_v indeed_o know_v what_o satisfaction_n be_v for_o every_o thing_n beside_o god_n be_v unsatisfy_v because_o flit_a and_o momentary_a and_o very_o imperfect_a and_o empty_a of_o that_o infinite_a good_a which_o be_v the_o only_a adequate_a object_n of_o that_o infinite_a desire_n of_o happiness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man._n this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o man_n be_v so_o constant_o disappoint_v in_o their_o expectation_n of_o happiness_n from_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a let_v they_o continual_o have_v what_o they_o desire_v which_o yet_o be_v too_o much_o to_o be_v rational_o suppose_v of_o any_o man_n and_o enjoy_v it_o full_o and_o without_o control_v yet_o still_o there_o will_v be_v something_o want_v to_o complete_a their_o happiness_n something_o that_o they_o desire_v still_o further_o and_o so_o the_o soul_n be_v continual_o balk_v of_o her_o expectation_n and_o still_o at_o a_o loss_n for_o happiness_n and_o continual_a long_n and_o desire_n and_o as_o continual_a disappointment_n be_v her_o portion_n in_o this_o world_n and_o what_o be_v more_o uneasy_a and_o vexatious_a than_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o this_o what_o more_o deplorable_a than_o even_o by_o fruition_n itself_o to_o be_v make_v unhappy_a what_o other_o refuge_n have_v the_o miserable_a soul_n in_o this_o case_n than_o to_o take_v off_o her_o affection_n from_o these_o empty_a nothing_o here_o below_o and_z as_o religion_n direct_v fix_v they_o upon_o he_o who_o be_v the_o supreme_a good_a and_o will_v abide_v the_o test_n of_o a_o eternal_a fruition_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v infinite_a satisfaction_n because_o there_o be_v no_o real_a good_a that_o we_o can_v possible_o desire_v but_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o a_o time_n but_o to_o all_o eternity_n all_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o soul_n must_v needs_o be_v fill_v with_o a_o infinite_a good_a and_o entire_o rest_v in_o it_o as_o in_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o happiness_n three_o religion_n be_v of_o very_o great_a value_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n because_o it_o be_v so_o great_o conducive_a to_o a_o long_a and_o healthy_a life_n in_o it_o long_o life_n and_o health_n be_v that_o which_o all_o people_n natural_o covet_v and_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a great_a blessing_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o the_o long_a man_n live_v and_o the_o more_o vigorous_a they_o be_v the_o long_o and_o more_o full_o they_o enjoy_v or_o at_o least_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n which_o yet_o with_o too_o many_o be_v the_o main_a consideration_n but_o likewise_o and_o chief_o because_o they_o have_v more_o time_n and_o great_a opportunity_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o eternal_a life_n to_o come_v and_o heap_v up_o still_o great_a treasure_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n now_o this_o great_a blessing_n nothing_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o help_v a_o man_n to_o than_o religion_n for_o first_o it_o engage_v man_n to_o live_v regular_o and_o temperate_o moderate_v the_o appetite_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o curb_v the_o exorbitant_a desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o by_o allow_v no_o more_o than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o comfortable_a support_n of_o nature_n make_v no_o provision_n for_o those_o many_o destructive_a disease_n which_o be_v always_o the_o attendant_n of_o excess_n how_o many_o of_o the_o mean_a sort_n by_o labour_n and_o course_n fare_v protract_v their_o day_n than_o of_o the_o rich_a who_o live_v in_o ease_n and_o luxury_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o poor_a man_n scanty_a fortune_n will_v not_o allow_v he_o to_o exceed_v but_o keep_v he_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o moderation_n and_o temperance_n and_o force_v he_o to_o be_v content_a with_o a_o little_a whereas_o the_o rich_a have_v many_o and_o great_a temptation_n to_o luxury_n and_o excess_n and_o seldom_o be_v so_o religious_a as_o to_o resist_v they_o and_o so_o too_o frequent_o feel_v the_o sad_a effect_n of_o intemperance_n and_o live_v out_o but_o half_o their_o day_n but_o now_o religion_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o voluntary_a poverty_n and_o help_v man_n to_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o a_o mean_a condition_n though_o rich_a and_o out_o of_o danger_n of_o the_o sting_n of_o it_o and_o by_o introduce_v temperance_n and_o moderation_n into_o the_o family_n of_o the_o wealthy_a bring_v with_o it_o health_n and_o long_a life_n which_o otherwise_o will_v seldom_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o cottage_n of_o the_o poor_a again_o religion_n be_v great_o conducive_a to_o a_o long_a and_o healthy_a life_n because_o it_o regulate_v the_o passion_n keep_v the_o soul_n quiet_a and_o in_o a_o calm_a which_o have_v no_o little_a influence_n upon_o the_o health_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o body_n that_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n do_v very_o much_o affect_v the_o body_n be_v undeniable_a and_o when_o they_o be_v excessive_a nothing_o more_o shake_v and_o discompose_v the_o whole_a man._n even_o joy_n which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v innocent_a enough_o have_v sometime_o be_v so_o violent_a as_o to_o overcharge_v person_n and_o leave_v they_o dead_a and_o grief_n have_v be_v often_o fatal_a and_o envy_n be_v the_o worst_a sort_n of_o consumption_n and_o leave_v visible_a token_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o countenance_n and_o love_n have_v have_v many_o martyr_n and_o anger_n be_v a_o great_a impoverisher_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n and_o oftentimes_o make_v a_o man_n his_o own_o executioner_n and_o engage_v in_o such_o scuffle_n and_o hot_a inconsiderate_a action_n as_o not_o seldom_o end_v in_o wound_n and_o death_n every_o excess_n of_o passion_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o be_v natural_o a_o great_a impairer_n of_o health_n at_o least_o and_o the_o often_o repetition_n of_o it_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o destroy_v it_o nature_n not_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v such_o violent_a concussion_n long_o without_o be_v much_o weaken_a and_o shatter_v by_o they_o like_o the_o wall_n of_o a_o castle_n which_o how_o strong_a soever_o will_v receive_v damage_n by_o every_o furious_a battery_n and_o unless_o relieve_v must_v at_o length_n fall_v before_o the_o cannon_n irresistible_a force_n but_o now_o religion_n prevent_v all_o this_o mischief_n and_o by_o regulate_v and_o reduce_v to_o moderation_n these_o passion_n of_o the_o soul_n make_v the_o mind_n calm_a and_o quiet_a and_o keep_v the_o spirit_n in_o a_o aequipoise_n and_o the_o body_n consequent_o be_v undisturbed_a feel_v no_o violence_n nor_o
be_v hurry_v on_o to_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a action_n but_o nature_n go_v on_o even_o in_o make_v provision_n for_o its_o health_n and_o support_n and_o it_o enjoy_v its_o strength_n and_o beauty_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o quietness_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o last_o place_n a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o a_o much_o better_a and_o endless_a life_n in_o the_o region_n of_o glory_n can_v spring_v from_o nothing_o but_o sincere_a religion_n and_o therefore_o religion_n be_v of_o very_o great_a value_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n for_o what_o can_v be_v of_o great_a value_n and_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o this_o valley_n of_o tear_n this_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n and_o ignorance_n vexation_n and_o disappointment_n than_o to_o have_v a_o well_o ground_a hope_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v always_o so_o with_o we_o that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o time_n when_o all_o tear_n shall_v be_v wipe_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o sin_n and_o misery_n be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o ever_o that_o we_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v disentangle_v from_o the_o clog_n of_o flesh_n the_o prison_n door_n set_v open_a and_o our_o captive_a soul_n set_v free_a and_o with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n return_v to_o the_o great_a father_n of_o spirit_n and_o with_o the_o full_a vigour_n of_o all_o their_o faculty_n contemplate_v and_o enjoy_v the_o only_o satisfy_v good_a that_o instead_o of_o flood_n of_o year_n there_o shall_v then_o be_v river_n of_o pleasure_n flow_v in_o upon_o we_o to_o all_o eternity_n halleluia_n instead_o of_o groan_n and_o mournful_a accent_n the_o triumphant_a rejoice_n of_o eternal_a beatify_v spirit_n instead_o of_o the_o bitter_a complaint_n of_o miserable_a mortal_n and_o in_o a_o word_n love_n in_o its_o perfection_n instead_o of_o quarrel_n and_o discontent_n envy_n and_o hatred_n and_o malice_n and_o revenge_n and_o all_o the_o dire_a attendant_n of_o they_o that_o instead_o of_o spiritual_a blindness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o most_o concern_v truth_n for_o here_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o we_o shall_v ever_o long_o be_v admit_v to_o contemplate_v truth_n itself_o and_o know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v and_o in_o he_o all_o thing_n for_o god_n be_v light_n what_o can_v be_v more_o valuable_a than_o such_o a_o cheer_v expectation_n as_o this_o how_o will_v it_o sweeten_v all_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n and_o be_v a_o sensible_a foretaste_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v reveal_v but_o now_o nothing_o can_v create_v such_o a_o hope_n as_o this_o but_o sincere_a religion_n for_o god_n be_v infinite_o pure_a and_o holy_a and_o into_o his_o presence_n no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v and_o it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n a_o wicked_a man_n breast_n that_o be_v not_o sear_v can_v be_v full_a of_o nothing_o but_o the_o dire_a reflection_n of_o a_o enrage_v conscience_n and_o dreadful_a foreboding_n of_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v the_o misery_n he_o feel_v in_o this_o world_n be_v but_o as_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o eternal_a sorrow_n and_o while_o he_o continue_v in_o his_o rebellion_n against_o god_n he_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o new_a express_v of_o his_o indignation_n here_o and_o to_o be_v doom_v to_o the_o portion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n he_o only_o that_o have_v live_v pious_o in_o this_o world_n can_v with_o any_o comfort_n think_v upon_o a_o future_a state_n but_o to_o he_o that_o have_v lead_v this_o first_o life_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o serve_v his_o maker_n in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n no_o joy_n comparable_a to_o that_o which_o he_o experience_n when_o he_o think_v of_o be_v dissolve_v and_o conduct_v to_o the_o embrace_n of_o his_o saviour_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n where_o he_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o with_o he_o and_o unspeakable_o happy_a in_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o dear_a lord_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o value_n of_o religion_n with_o relation_n to_o this_o world_n it_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a peace_n and_o quietness_n content_a and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n of_o a_o long_a and_o healthy_a life_n here_o and_o of_o a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n in_o the_o region_n of_o blessedness_n and_o be_v this_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o i_o question_v not_o but_o to_o any_o consider_a man_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o jewel_n of_o inestimable_a price_n that_o nothing_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v afford_v be_v comparable_a to_o it_o and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n who_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n immediate_o part_n with_o all_o that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o religion_n and_o will_v hinder_v he_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v far_o from_o all_o godliness_n have_v not_o only_o a_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v but_o also_o and_o chief_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o if_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o inestimable_a a_o treasure_n when_o we_o look_v no_o further_o than_o this_o life_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o it_o when_o we_o contemplate_v that_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v its_o reward_n in_o heaven_n the_o happiness_n that_o will_v crown_v religion_n in_o the_o other_o world_n spring_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n from_o whence_o do_v flow_v the_o felicity_n of_o god_n himself_o i._n e._n it_o consist_v in_o a_o intimate_a view_n and_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o so_o st._n john_n 1_o joh._n 3.2_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v inexpressible_a nay_o the_o very_a contemplation_n of_o it_o be_v too_o bright_a for_o mind_n darken_v with_o flesh_n the_o splendour_n of_o it_o flash_n too_o strong_o upon_o our_o feeble_a sense_n now_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n and_o too_o long_o and_o close_o gaze_v on_o will_n rather_o dazzle_v than_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n no_o mortal_a man_n can_v see_v god_n face_n and_o live_v and_o therefore_o most_o true_a be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v 2.9_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o neither_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v reserve_v for_o those_o that_o love_v he_o indeed_o this_o include_v all_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v imagine_v of_o excellence_n and_o much_o more_o than_o we_o poor_a ignorant_a benight_a creature_n can_v imagine_v for_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o be_v and_o consequent_o of_o perfection_n all_o that_o be_v charm_v and_o true_o desirable_a in_o nature_n to_o our_o sense_n or_o to_o our_o understanding_n in_o the_o visible_a or_o invisible_a creation_n be_v but_o a_o stream_n from_o this_o divine_a fountain_n and_o be_v in_o he_o ininfinite_o great_a excellency_n for_o he_o be_v beauty_n and_o goodness_n and_o harmony_n itself_o and_o therefore_o since_o religion_n will_v bring_v we_o to_o such_o a_o happiness_n as_o the_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o chief_a good_a what_o can_v compare_v with_o it_o for_o value_v the_o depth_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o and_o the_o sea_n say_v it_o be_v not_o with_o i_o man_n know_v not_o the_o price_n thereof_o neither_o be_v it_o find_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n it_o can_v be_v value_v with_o the_o gold_n of_o ophir_n with_o the_o precious_a onyx_n or_o the_o saphire_n no_o mention_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o coral_n or_o pearl_n for_o the_o price_n of_o wisdom_n be_v above_o ruby_n job_n 28.13_o etc._n etc._n such_o then_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o will_v bring_v he_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o eternal_a age_n when_o this_o short_a life_n be_v end_v and_o the_o whole_a that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o one_o that_o enjoy_v it_o all_o to_o the_o full_a than_o emptiness_n and_o disappointment_n vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n here_o and_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v true_a a_o eternal_a banishment_n from_o the_o supreme_a good_a shall_v at_o last_o be_v their_o punishment_n who_o love_v this_o worthless_a world_n more_o than_o religion_n and_o their_o maker_n these_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v let_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n say_v which_o be_v of_o great_a value_n religion_n or_o
the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n he_o that_o ruin_v his_o soul_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o he_o that_o count_v all_o these_o sublunary_a thing_n as_o dung_n in_o comparison_n with_o religion_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o this_o earth_n can_v afford_v he_o for_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n here_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n hereafter_o he_o that_o prefer_v the_o world_n in_o his_o choice_n deprive_v himself_o of_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o part_n with_o the_o certain_a reversion_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o heaven_n for_o pleasure_n that_o do_v deserve_v that_o name_n they_o be_v so_o empty_a and_o unsatisfy_a he_o bring_v most_o exquisite_a and_o everlasting_a misery_n upon_o his_o whole_a self_n soul_n and_o body_n for_o a_o very_a short_a live_v imperfect_a gratification_n of_o his_o brutal_a part_n only_o and_o purchase_v the_o torment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n by_o make_v himself_o unhappy_a in_o this_o in_o a_o word_n therefore_o as_o much_o as_o to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o be_v like_o the_o devil_n in_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o much_o as_o satisfaction_n be_v better_a than_o disappointment_n peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o content_a than_o vexation_n and_o continual_a disturbance_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n a_o confirm_a health_n and_o long_a life_n than_o the_o disease_n and_o hasty_a death_n that_o follow_v debauchery_n and_o the_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o be_v for_o ever_o happy_a with_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a god_n in_o the_o celestial_a paradise_n than_o the_o confound_a dread_a of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n as_o much_o as_o immortality_n be_v more_o to_o be_v prize_v than_o a_o life_n of_o a_o span_n long_o and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o chief_a good_a than_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o swine_n of_o so_o much_o gerater_n value_n be_v religion_n than_o all_o that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v and_o indeed_o the_o only_a desirable_a treasure_n and_o a_o pearl_n of_o inestimable_a price_n and_o now_o if_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v be_v true_a the_o application_n be_v easy_a if_o religion_n be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o precious_a let_v we_o make_v it_o more_o and_o more_o our_o endeavour_n to_o enrich_v our_o soul_n with_o this_o treasure_n to_o adorn_v our_o rational_a nature_n with_o this_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n and_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n think_v nothing_o too_o much_o to_o part_v with_o that_o we_o may_v purchase_v that_o heavenly_a wisdom_n which_o will_v make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n for_o sound_a wisdom_n as_o the_o wise_a king_n express_v it_o 3.18_o prov._n 3.18_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o those_o that_o lay_v hold_v upon_o she_o and_o happy_a be_v every_o one_o that_o retain_v she_o she_o shall_v give_v to_o thy_o head_n a_o oranment_n of_o grace_n 4.9_o prov._n 4.9_o and_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n shall_v she_o deliver_v to_o thou_o but_o he_o that_o will_v have_v this_o wisdom_n and_o find_v this_o pearl_n must_v not_o only_o wish_v and_o desire_n but_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n diligent_o seek_v it_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v say_v our_o lord_n 5._o pro._n 2.4_o 5._o and_o solomon_n assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o seek_v wisdom_n as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n then_o shall_v we_o understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n religion_n be_v not_o acquire_v without_o diligence_n for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v it_o all_o evil_a habit_n must_v be_v break_v and_o root_v up_o and_o pious_a disposition_n plant_v in_o their_o room_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o mind_n change_v by_o repentance_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n become_v pliable_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n before_o the_o divine_a likeness_n can_v be_v form_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o enable_v we_o to_o go_v thus_o far_o for_o without_o it_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o yet_o our_o own_o concurrence_n and_o co-operation_n with_o his_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v the_o bless_a work_n of_o regeneration_n to_o perfection_n a_o obstinate_a resistance_n of_o prevent_a grace_n will_v grieve_v and_o quench_v that_o life-giving_a spirit_n and_o such_o a_o soul_n shall_v know_v no_o more_o of_o religion_n than_o that_o it_o be_v invite_v to_o it_o but_o reject_v the_o offer_n and_o may_v have_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o so_o great_a a_o treasure_n but_o it_o will_v not_o but_o when_o a_o soul_n with_o joy_n embrace_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o make_v it_o her_o great_a endeavour_n to_o remove_v all_o obstacle_n out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o due_a impression_n and_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o new_a degree_n of_o righteousness_n this_o soul_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v be_v visible_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o holy_a conversation_n but_o this_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o a_o watchful_a persevere_v diligence_n there_o be_v so_o much_o opposition_n from_o within_o and_o without_o to_o this_o great_a business_n that_o like_o nehemiah_n labourer_n 5.17_o neh._n 5.17_o we_o must_v work_v with_o our_o sword_n in_o our_o hand_n and_o fight_v and_o strive_v that_o we_o may_v carry_v on_o the_o building_n of_o a_o live_a temple_n for_o our_o god_n and_o make_v our_o soul_n house_n of_o prayer_n adorn_v with_o religious_a affection_n and_o sit_v to_o receive_v he_o that_o hate_v iniquity_n he_o that_o be_v thus_o diligent_a shall_v grow_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o daily_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o he_o till_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n and_o then_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o religion_n shall_v for_o ever_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o nothing_o remain_v for_o the_o happy_a soul_n to_o do_v but_o to_o enjoy_v to_o all_o eternity_n the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o it_o let_v we_o all_o therefore_o be_v steadfast_a unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o this_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o our_o diligent_a pursuit_n of_o this_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o add_v frequent_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o only_a giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n that_o he_o will_v send_v down_o wisdom_n from_o his_o holy_a heaven_n that_o be_v present_a she_o may_v labour_v with_o we_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o do_v it_o with_o all_o alacrity_n run_v with_o diligence_n and_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n 2._o heb._n 12.1_o 2._o and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n remember_v that_o we_o also_o shall_v reap_v in_o due_a season_n if_o we_o faint_v not_o and_o if_o we_o part_v with_o all_o the_o vile_a affection_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v ready_a in_o preparation_n of_o mind_n to_o suffer_v any_o worldly_a loss_n even_o to_o that_o of_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n and_o his_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v such_o a_o recompense_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o will_v abundant_o compensate_a all_o our_o suffering_n here_o for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n happy_a be_v the_o exchange_n of_o all_o that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v for_o a_o jewel_n of_o so_o great_a price_n as_o religion_n and_o for_o such_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n of_o bliss_n as_o be_v reserve_v to_o reward_v it_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n what_o be_v our_o great_a interest_n therefore_o let_v we_o before_o all_o thing_n pursue_v and_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o let_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o the_o prayer_n i._o o_o merciful_a jesus_n who_o have_v prepare_v for_o we_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o teach_v we_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o warn_v we_o of_o the_o emptiness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v
satisfy_v his_o justice_n some_o other_o way_n as_o a_o convict_v criminal_a we_o say_v have_v not_o satisfy_v or_o be_v indebt_v to_o the_o law_n till_o he_o have_v suffer_v the_o punishment_n for_o his_o crime_n which_o the_o law_n think_v fit_a to_o inflict_v or_o else_o find_v favour_n and_o have_v it_o remit_v he_o as_o for_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o debt_n which_o mankind_n by_o his_o sin_n have_v thus_o contract_v to_o the_o divine_a justice_n it_o be_v express_v in_o this_o parable_n by_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n which_o according_a to_o our_o way_n of_o reckon_a be_v above_o a_o million_o of_o pound_n a_o vast_a sum_n this_o but_o yet_o far_o short_a of_o what_o we_o owe_v to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o iniquity_n which_o be_v not_o only_o million_o but_o innumerable_a even_o as_o the_o star_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o sand_n upon_o the_o sea-shore_n nor_o be_v they_o only_o numberless_a but_o very_o great_a not_o only_o many_o thousand_o but_o many_o thousand_o of_o talent_n every_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v a_o wilful_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v weight_n enough_o if_o god_n shall_v be_v extreme_a to_o mark_v what_o be_v do_v amiss_o to_o sink_v a_o soul_n into_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n be_v the_o high_a authority_n and_o his_o law_n most_o just_a and_o equal_a and_o we_o have_v a_o infinite_a obligation_n to_o obey_v he_o both_o as_o his_o creature_n and_o dependent_n who_o live_v by_o his_o favour_n and_o bounty_n and_o have_v receive_v numberless_a and_o inestimable_a blessing_n from_o he_o and_o likewise_o as_o rational_a creature_n that_o we_o may_v perfect_v our_o own_o nature_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n which_o will_v conform_v we_o to_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o sin_n be_v a_o opposition_n to_o the_o high_a authority_n a_o violation_n of_o the_o best_a law_n a_o break_v through_o the_o strict_a bond_n those_o of_o submission_n to_o the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v and_o of_o gratitude_n to_o the_o giver_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n we_o enjoy_v and_o likewise_o of_o self-love_n and_o preservation_n in_o reject_v the_o mean_n of_o advance_v our_o own_o nature_n to_o the_o similitude_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n which_o be_v our_o chief_a happiness_n sin_n be_v all_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v exceed_v sinful_a and_o indeed_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o in_o no_o case_n eligible_a and_o therefore_o the_o often_o be_v repeat_v and_o the_o more_o of_o choice_n there_o be_v in_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o and_o the_o more_o heinous_a the_o instance_n of_o it_o be_v and_o the_o great_a obligation_n man_n be_v under_o by_o reason_n of_o god_n bounty_n and_o goodness_n to_o they_o whether_o as_o to_o natural_a or_o spiritual_a endowment_n to_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o the_o high_a proportionable_o rise_v the_o gild_n of_o sin_n and_o he_o that_o often_o and_o wilful_o commit_v great_a impiety_n notwithstanding_o infinite_a obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_n which_o be_v and_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o sinner_n be_v indebt_v to_o god_n justice_n not_o only_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n but_o ten_o thousand_o million_o of_o talent_n i_o e._n his_o debt_n be_v infinite_a and_o unless_o some_o miracle_n of_o mercy_n intervene_v the_o divine_a justice_n can_v be_v satisfy_v but_o by_o his_o undergo_n a_o infinite_a punishment_n and_o all_o the_o world_n must_v acknowledge_v it_o just_a that_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a possible_a evil_a shall_v be_v repay_v with_o the_o great_a possible_a that_o be_v eternal_a punishment_n so_o vast_a a_o debt_n then_o lie_v upon_o all_o mankind_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v most_o true_a in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o they_o of_o themselves_o ever_o to_o clear_v this_o debt_n and_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o the_o sad_a consequence_n shall_v it_o have_v still_o remain_v upon_o account_n will_v have_v be_v no_o less_o than_o eternal_a misery_n which_o be_v represent_v very_o lively_a in_o the_o parable_n by_o the_o king_n debtor_n have_v nothing_o to_o pay_v and_o the_o king_n thereupon_o command_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v sell_v and_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o payment_n make_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o so_o use_v debtor_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o pay_v 4.1_o 2_o kin._n 4.1_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o mankind_n of_o themselves_o ever_o to_o have_v pay_v this_o vast_a debt_n because_o every_o individual_a mere_a man_n be_v deep_o engage_v and_o always_o will_v be_v so_o in_o the_o same_o account_n so_o deep_o that_o he_o can_v never_o clear_v himself_o much_o less_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o other_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n valuable_a enough_o in_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o nature_n to_o buy_v off_o this_o sentence_n just_a though_o sad_a the_o soul_n that_o sin_v it_o shall_v die_v wherewith_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n 6.6_o mic._n 6.6_o say_v the_o prophet_n micah_n when_o he_o have_v a_o controversy_n with_o the_o people_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o wherewith_o shall_v i_o bow_v myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burn_a offering_n with_o calf_n of_o a_o year_n old_a will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n shall_v i_o give_v my_o first-born_a for_o my_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o he_o that_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o every_o thing_n the_o lord_n and_o great_a proprietor_n of_o all_o already_o and_o who_o glory_n and_o happiness_n be_v infinite_o above_o even_o our_o most_o exalt_a thought_n and_o conception_n he_o be_v a_o idiot_n that_o do_v not_o confess_v that_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v utter_o insufficient_a as_o the_o psalmist_n express_v it_o to_o redeem_v the_o forfeit_v soul_n of_o mankind_n so_o that_o that_o must_v be_v let_v alone_o for_o ever_o all_o therefore_o that_o be_v in_o man_n to_o give_v be_v far_o from_o sufficient_a to_o commute_v for_o the_o punishment_n his_o sin_n have_v deserve_v god_n justice_n must_v be_v satisfy_v by_o his_o undergo_n that_o punishment_n that_o be_v eternal_a death_n for_o ever_o die_v yet_o never_o dead_a extreme_o miserable_a and_o for_o ever_o so_o a_o punishment_n so_o inexpressible_o great_a that_o annihilation_n be_v much_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o it_o for_o who_o can_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n who_o can_v bear_v a_o eternal_a banishment_n from_o the_o supreme_a good_a and_o confinement_n to_o the_o dire_a abode_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n those_o merciless_a executioner_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n who_o will_v exact_v the_o pain_n we_o be_v to_o suffer_v with_o the_o utmost_a cruelty_n who_o can_v bear_v the_o gnawing_n of_o that_o never_o die_a worm_n remorse_n of_o conscience_n for_o forfeit_v such_o infinite_a happiness_n and_o plunge_v ourselves_o headlong_o in_o such_o a_o bottomless_a misery_n and_o that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o what_o be_v always_o empty_a and_o unsatisfy_a even_o when_o we_o do_v enjoy_v it_o and_o who_o can_v bear_v the_o horror_n of_o despair_n of_o ever_o see_v a_o end_n of_o such_o torment_n as_o these_o which_o yet_o may_v have_v be_v entire_o avoid_v if_o we_o will_v this_o be_v indeed_o a_o unconceivable_o miserable_a condition_n and_o all_o man_n that_o ever_o live_v must_v have_v be_v involve_v in_o it_o have_v not_o the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n find_v out_o a_o mean_n both_o to_o satisfy_v his_o justice_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v merciful_a to_o his_o miserable_a creature_n to_o forgive_v the_o debt_n to_o those_o that_o have_v nothing_o to_o pay_v and_o yet_o to_o have_v full_a satisfaction_n make_v he_o for_o it_o it_o be_v what_o can_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v it_o be_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o divine_a love_n which_o even_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o eternal_a hallelujah_n in_o heaven_n three_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o wondrous_a compassion_n of_o our_o good_a god_n in_o pity_v our_o sad_o deplorable_a condition_n and_o forgive_a we_o all_o that_o debt_n which_o we_o can_v never_o have_v pay_v though_o we_o have_v suffer_v the_o pain_n of_o hell_n for_o those_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n and_o this_o be_v express_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o the_o king_n be_v be_v move_v with_o compassion_n at_o the_o miserable_a
divine_a love_n and_o philanthropy_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o creature_n to_o see_v they_o love_v and_o compassionate_a one_o another_o according_a to_o his_o glorious_a example_n we_o be_v infinite_o oblige_v to_o imitate_v his_o pity_n and_o forgiveness_n towards_o we_o in_o pass_v by_o the_o offence_n of_o our_o fellow-servant_n further_o those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v forgive_v so_o vast_a a_o debt_n as_o that_o which_o miserable_a sinner_n owe_v to_o the_o divine_a justice_n be_v questionless_a bind_v and_o that_o with_o the_o strict_a tie_n to_o love_v he_o infinite_o again_o but_o now_o st._n john_n say_v plain_o 21._o 1_o joh._n 4.20_o 21._o that_o he_o that_o love_v god_n must_v love_v his_o brother_n also_o and_o if_o a_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o yet_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o for_o as_o he_o say_v chap._n 3.17_o he_o that_o shut_v up_o his_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n from_o his_o brother_n how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v our_o good_a god_n who_o have_v forgive_v we_o our_o numberless_a iniquity_n so_o much_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o manifest_v that_o our_o love_n to_o he_o by_o be_v pitiful_a and_o gentle_a to_o our_o brethren_n that_o have_v injure_v we_o and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v they_o for_o so_o say_v our_o lord_n shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n and_o so_o shall_v you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o doubtless_o that_o wicked_a servant_n in_o the_o parable_n have_v not_o so_o due_a a_o apprehension_n of_o his_o lord_n be_v great_a compassion_n to_o he_o nor_o so_o grateful_a a_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v have_v who_o can_v immediate_o forget_v the_o miserable_a condition_n he_o be_v so_o late_o in_o himself_o and_o how_o much_o he_o dread_v lest_o his_o lord_n shall_v rigid_o exact_v his_o great_a debt_n of_o he_o and_o how_o importunate_o he_o beg_v that_o he_o will_v have_v patience_n with_o he_o and_o yet_o use_v so_o much_o cruelty_n to_o his_o fellow-servant_n for_o a_o debt_n very_o inconsiderable_a he_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o such_o barbarity_n will_v be_v very_o contrary_a to_o the_o compassionate_a temper_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o therefore_o be_v bind_v in_o gratitude_n if_o upon_o no_o other_o account_n to_o imitate_v his_o lord_n example_n and_o not_o immediate_o act_v what_o will_v be_v so_o displease_v to_o he_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o our_o case_n god_n be_v love_n and_o have_v wondrous_o manifest_v his_o love_n in_o forgive_a we_o miserable_a sinner_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o gratitude_n and_o because_o it_o will_v be_v please_v to_o he_o be_v that_o all_o to_o imitate_v that_o his_o charity_n and_o mutual_o to_o love_v and_o forgive_v one_o another_o but_o when_o beside_o we_o have_v our_o saviour_n express_a command_n for_o it_o mat._n 5.44_o and_o luk._n 6.37_o and_o that_o not_o until_o seven_o time_n only_o but_o until_o seventy_o time_n seven_o as_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o this_o parable_n as_o much_o as_o man_n be_v oblige_v oblige_v to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n their_o saviour_n so_o strong_a be_v their_o obligation_n to_o forgive_v injury_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n second_o our_o obligation_n be_v very_o great_a to_o imitate_v god_n compassionate_a example_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o self_n for_o it_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v quiet_a and_o peace_n and_o happiness_n and_o as_o much_o as_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o provide_v for_o his_o own_o quiet_a and_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o society_n and_o of_o his_o own_o soul_n too_o in_o the_o other_o world_n so_o much_o be_v every_o man_n bind_v not_o to_o be_v malicious_a and_o revengeful_a but_o of_o a_o temper_n ready_a to_o forgive_v for_o however_o sweet_a revenge_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v to_o malicious_a spirit_n in_o the_o execution_n it_o must_v needs_o make_v the_o mind_n very_o uneasy_a before_o it_o be_v execute_v and_o bring_v great_a calamity_n along_o with_o it_o afterward_o and_o be_v the_o most_o base_a devilish_a temper_n in_o the_o world_n and_o make_v a_o man_n a_o fiend_n incarnate_a whereas_o a_o aptness_n to_o forgive_v be_v a_o godlike_a disposition_n for_o god_n be_v love_n the_o spring_n of_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o as_o his_o happiness_n be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n so_o those_o who_o resemble_v he_o in_o the_o most_o glorious_a of_o those_o perfection_n must_v needs_o likewise_o enjoy_v a_o great_a share_n of_o tranquillity_n and_o inward_a bliss_n but_o if_o god_n be_v the_o great_a exemplar_n of_o forgiveness_n how_o groundless_a be_v the_o usual_a objection_n against_o this_o excellent_a virtue_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o betray_v a_o mean_a servile_a spirit_n and_o be_v a_o thing_n much_o 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the_o act_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o reconciliation_n as_o be_v hint_v above_o than_o in_o that_o of_o revenge_n for_o however_o the_o devil_n may_v hurry_v man_n on_o in_o a_o eager_a pursuit_n of_o revenge_n and_o flatter_v they_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o great_a satisfaction_n when_o it_o be_v perfect_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a horror_n and_o aversion_n to_o it_o from_o within_o which_o as_o it_o be_v pulls_z back_o the_o hand_n when_o go_v to_o strike_v or_o what_o other_o way_n soever_o it_o be_v express_v endeavour_n to_o hinder_v it_o and_o make_v the_o heart_n recoil_v and_o repent_v of_o the_o undertake_n and_o execute_v it_o with_o tremble_a and_o misgiving_n of_o soul_n and_o immediate_o after_o come_v dire_a foreboding_n of_o the_o venge_v ance_n of_o he_o to_o who_o vengeance_n belong_v and_o a_o kind_a of_o hell_n upon_o earth_n but_o forgiveness_n be_v attend_v with_o applause_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o approbation_n of_o reason_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o spirit_n there_o be_v a_o inward_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n quite_o throughout_o the_o action_n and_o when_o it_o be_v complete_v no_o man_n can_v express_v the_o silent_a joy_n that_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a soul_n and_o it_o seem_v a_o foretaste_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n even_o that_o part_n of_o forgiveness_n which_o seem_v most_o of_o all_o impracticable_a and_o contrary_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o of_o sue_v to_o a_o man_n to_o be_v reconcile_v that_o have_v do_v the_o injury_n and_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v one_o enemy_n this_o do_v of_o all_o yield_v the_o great_a pleasure_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v the_o near_a resemblance_n to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o send_v his_o son_n to_o mediate_v between_o he_o and_o we_o and_o by_o his_o death_n to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o himself_o when_o it_o be_v we_o miserable_a wretch_n that_o have_v offend_v and_o be_v then_o in_o actual_a rebellion_n against_o he_o but_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o it_o be_v a_o kind_a of_o surprise_v a_o man_n into_o charity_n before_o he_o be_v aware_a when_o man_n do_v injury_n they_o general_o stand_v upon_o their_o defence_n and_o expect_v to_o receive_v injury_n again_o but_o when_o a_o man_n find_v instead_o of_o this_o act_n of_o friendship_n and_o good_a will_n and_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v and_o peace_n and_o quietness_n offer_v so_o free_o and_o upon_o such_o easy_a term_n without_o the_o shame_n and_o natural_a regret_n in_o seek_v it_o and_o ask_v pardon_n and_o make_v satisfaction_n and_o the_o like_a how_o please_v must_v the_o man_n need_v be_v to_o find_v a_o friend_n when_o he_o fear_v and_o expect_v a_o enemy_n few_o man_n love_v strife_n for_o strife_n sake_n and_o
passive_o obedient_a but_o likewise_o active_o so_o and_o ready_a cheerful_o to_o obey_v his_o command_n so_o ought_v every_o believer_n to_o be_v to_o christ_n indeed_o this_o be_v the_o main_a trial_n of_o true_a conjugal_a affection_n and_o be_v the_o best_a demonstration_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o all_o other_o show_v of_o love_n and_o fidelity_n and_o reverence_n and_o submission_n for_o where_o true_a love_n reverence_n and_o submission_n be_v a_o cheerful_a obedience_n will_v sure_o follow_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a where_o there_o be_v no_o willing_a cheerful_a obedience_n there_o be_v but_o very_o little_a if_o any_o sincere_a affection_n and_o therefore_o say_v our_o dear_a lord_n if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o say_v and_o of_o sarah_n it_o be_v say_v she_o obey_v abraham_n as_o well_o as_o call_v he_o lord_n and_o st._n john_n agreeable_o 1_o john_n 2.5_o whoso_o keep_v his_o word_n in_o he_o very_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n perfect_v and_o hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o be_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o this_o our_o glorious_a husband_n be_v above_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o continue_v that_o our_o near_a relation_n to_o he_o and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a but_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n and_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a if_o we_o shall_v not_o obey_v he_o who_o command_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n in_o both_o world_n in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o gospel_n be_v productive_a of_o like_a effect_n to_o those_o of_o marriage_n and_o from_o this_o so_o near_a relation_n of_o believer_n to_o christ_n proceed_v the_o increase_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n a_o numerous_a progeny_n to_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o fill_v up_o the_o vacancy_n leave_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o rebellious_a angel_n thus_o our_o lord_n call_v the_o become_a christian_n be_v a_o be_v bear_v again_o john_n 3.3_o and_o teach_v we_o when_o we_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o say_v our_o father_n and_o st._n paul_n agreeable_o in_o a_o quotation_n from_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v as_o in_o the_o person_n of_o god_n i_o will_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n allmighty_n 6.18_o 2_o cor._n 6.18_o and_o the_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v from_o above_o or_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o gal._n 4.26_o and_o chap._n 3.26_o we_o be_v all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n of_o that_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o he_o which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n well_o therefore_o may_v we_o cry_v out_o with_o admiration_n as_o st._n john_n do_v 3.1_o 1_o john_n 3.1_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o of_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n and_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v must_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o have_v such_o glorious_a expectation_n cleanse_v himself_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o this_o then_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v as_o a_o marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o to_o be_v consider_v under_o this_o first_o general_n namely_o who_o they_o be_v that_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o joy_n and_o happiness_n of_o this_o bless_a condition_n they_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o maim_a the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a and_o true_o just_o such_o be_v man_n condition_n before_o god_n be_v please_v to_o call_v he_o to_o this_o happy_a marriage_n despicable_o poor_a we_o be_v and_o destitute_a of_o any_o real_a excellency_n that_o can_v recommend_v we_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n our_o soul_n be_v like_o a_o parch_a and_o barren_a wilderness_n burn_v up_o with_o vile_a lust_n and_o passion_n no_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n appear_v but_o draw_v still_o near_o and_o near_o to_o everlasting_a perdition_n maim_a we_o be_v in_o all_o our_o faculty_n by_o our_o frequent_a desperate_a fall_v from_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o full_a of_o wound_n and_o bruise_n and_o putrify_a sore_n and_o our_o best_a performance_n very_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a like_o the_o halting_n of_o a_o cripple_n and_o our_o understanding_n withal_o blind_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n which_o put_v out_o that_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o make_v it_o uncapable_a of_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o happiness_n so_o that_o we_o lie_v grope_v in_o the_o dark_a surround_v with_o terror_n rack_v by_o uncertainty_n miserable_o poor_a and_o indigent_a and_o utter_o unable_a to_o help_v ourselves_o when_o lo_o there_o arise_v up_o a_o light_n in_o this_o darkness_n and_o through_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o our_o god_n the_o dayspring_n from_o on_o high_a do_v visit_v we_o we_o be_v pity_v and_o commiserate_v by_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o in_o this_o forlorn_a condition_n call_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o ineffable_a joy_n and_o felicity_n that_o attend_v the_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n anoint_v he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a he_o send_v he_o to_o heal_v the_o brokenhearted_a to_o preach_v deliverance_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o recovery_n of_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o to_o set_v at_o liberty_n they_o that_o be_v bruise_v luke_n 4.18_o and_o according_o he_o enrich_v our_o poverty_n restore_v our_o sight_n heal_v our_o bruise_n and_o confirm_v our_o strength_n and_o of_o his_o fullness_n have_v we_o all_o receive_v and_o nothing_o for_o the_o future_a can_v ever_o make_v we_o miserable_a but_o ourselves_o wherefore_o as_o we_o shall_v adore_v and_o magnify_v with_o all_o our_o soul_n the_o wondrous_a goodness_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n in_o receive_v such_o wretched_a pollute_a creature_n as_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n into_o so_o intimate_v a_o relation_n to_o himself_o and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n in_o this_o world_n and_o provide_v crown_n of_o glory_n for_o we_o in_o the_o next_o so_o above_o all_o thing_n shall_v we_o dread_v to_o fall_v back_o into_o the_o same_o condition_n again_o and_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v be_v better_a for_o we_o never_o to_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o divine_a compassion_n in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n as_o we_o have_v do_v and_o our_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o our_o beginning_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o parable_n namely_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n represent_v by_o the_o marriage_n of_o a_o king_n son_n and_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o maim_a the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a be_v call_v in_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o joy_n and_o festivity_n of_o that_o great_a solemnity_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v namely_o god_n great_a care_n in_o have_v this_o gospel_n preach_v this_o religion_n publish_v and_o make_v know_v to_o all_o man_n and_o his_o repeat_v invitation_n to_o all_o man_n to_o embrace_v it_o represent_v by_o that_o king_n be_v send_v forth_o his_o servant_n to_o call_v those_o that_o be_v bid_v to_o the_o wedding_n and_o again_o send_v other_o servant_n and_o command_v they_o to_o tell_v those_o that_o be_v bid_v that_o he_o have_v prepare_v and_o make_v all_o thing_n ready_a and_o therefore_o to_o urge_v they_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o marriage_n how_o great_a god_n care_n have_v be_v that_o this_o gospel_n shall_v be_v publish_v and_o how_o repeat_v his_o invitation_n to_o man_n have_v be_v that_o they_o will_v embrace_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o from_o the_o course_n that_o by_o god_n appointment_n have_v be_v take_v ever_o since_o at_o first_o many_o be_v endow_v with_o very_o extraordinary_a ability_n for_o this_o purpose_n such_o as_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v wherever_o they_o shall_v go_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o man_n
alone_o can_v save_v they_o and_o take_v no_o care_n of_o good_a work_n how_o come_v you_o in_o hither_o how_o come_v you_o into_o this_o society_n of_o christian_n not_o have_v on_o the_o wedding_n garment_n what_o will_v they_o be_v able_a to_o say_v in_o their_o excuse_n will_v they_o not_o be_v like_o he_o in_o the_o parable_n confound_v and_o ashamed_a and_o utter_o speechless_a what_o will_v they_o have_v to_o plead_v in_o bar_n of_o that_o dire_a sentence_n which_o will_v then_o be_v pass_v upon_o they_o bound_v they_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o take_v they_o away_o etc._n etc._n certain_o nothing_o but_o with_o inexpressible_a horror_n and_o despair_n and_o self-condemnation_n must_v submit_v to_o their_o sad_a punishment_n from_o all_o this_o there_o be_v in_o the_o last_o place_n this_o general_a observation_n draw_v that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v the_o plain_a mean_v of_o which_o i_o suppose_v to_o be_v this_o that_o though_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o 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unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o wherefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o parable_n as_o we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o be_v call_v and_o invite_v to_o a_o sincere_a faith_n in_o and_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o do_v make_v open_a profession_n of_o such_o faith_n and_o show_v of_o such_o obedience_n it_o concern_v we_o as_o much_o as_o our_o soul_n be_v worth_a and_o as_o we_o will_v avoid_v that_o outer_a darkness_n where_o be_v eternal_a weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n to_o take_v all_o possible_a care_n that_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o sincere_a and_o lively_a as_o to_o produce_v good_a work_n such_o as_o may_v make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a not_o to_o rest_v content_v with_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n or_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o lead_v our_o life_n according_a to_o our_o belief_n to_o imitate_v our_o lord_n most_o bless_a example_n and_o obey_v all_o his_o holy_a precept_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o providence_n cheerful_o and_o bear_v unspotted_a love_n and_o fidelity_n to_o he_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n shall_v we_o be_v reckon_v among_o his_o choice_a jewel_n elect_v and_o precious_a and_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o near_a and_o dear_a and_o even_o a_o inseparable_a relation_n to_o he_o and_o when_o this_o life_n be_v at_o a_o end_n be_v conduct_v by_o his_o angel_n into_o his_o glorious_a presence_n there_o to_o share_v in_o his_o happiness_n to_o eternal_a age_n the_o prayer_n most_o bless_a god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o in_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o amaze_a condescension_n have_v invite_v i_o miserable_a creature_n though_o poor_a and_o maim_a halt_v and_o blind_a and_o destitute_a of_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v recommend_v i_o to_o thou_o except_o it_o be_v my_o wretchedness_n to_o the_o most_o intimate_a union_n with_o thy_o glorious_a son_n and_o as_o the_o bride_n of_o that_o divine_a bridegroom_n to_o enjoy_v his_o love_n and_o be_v bless_v with_o his_o tender_a regard_n his_o protection_n and_o desence_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o happiness_n how_o can_v i_o enough_o praise_n and_o magnify_v this_o thy_o wondrous_a goodness_n and_o with_o what_o transport_v of_o joy_n shall_v i_o embrace_v so_o inestimable_a a_o favour_n but_o i_o alas_o stupid_a as_o i_o be_o and_o bewitch_v with_o the_o care_n and_o business_n and_o gain_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n have_v hitherto_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o my_o own_o happiness_n and_o disregard_v this_o gracious_a offer_n and_o prefer_v every_o thing_n before_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n with_o the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o at_o best_o have_v defer_v it_o still_o till_o another_o time_n provoke_v thereby_o most_o just_o thy_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n against_o i_o and_o deserve_v to_o be_v for_o ever_o exclude_v thy_o bless_a presence_n as_o infinite_o unworthy_a but_o now_o o_o lord_n i_o do_v earnest_o repent_v and_o be_o hearty_o sorry_a for_o so_o ungrateful_o sliting_a such_o infinite_a mercy_n the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o vileness_n be_v grievous_a unto_o i_o the_o burden_n of_o it_o be_v intolerable_a and_o with_o the_o utmost_a earnestness_n of_o a_o trouble_a spirit_n i_o beg_v thy_o heavenly_a aid_n that_o now_o without_o the_o least_o delay_n i_o may_v cheerful_o embrace_v the_o bless_a invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o love_n and_o honour_v the_o messenger_n which_o bring_v i_o those_o glad_a tiding_n and_o since_o my_o maker_n be_v my_o husband_n be_v always_o mindful_a of_o my_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o bear_v he_o unspotted_a fidelity_n and_o love_n be_v his_o entire_o and_o for_o ever_o submit_v without_o reserve_n to_o his_o heavenly_a government_n reverence_v his_o authority_n and_o glorify_v he_o with_o my_o body_n and_o my_o spirit_n which_o be_v he_o and_o grant_v o_o merciful_a god_n i_o humble_o entreat_v thou_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o infidelity_n may_v never_o possess_v my_o soul_n lest_o i_o total_o reject_v this_o bless_a invitation_n or_o have_v embrace_v it_o and_o enter_v into_o so_o near_a a_o relation_n to_o my_o saviour_n again_o divorce_v myself_o from_o he_o by_o entertain_v strange_a and_o forbid_a love_n and_o since_o i_o be_o so_o high_o honour_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n o_o may_v i_o always_o be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o dignity_n of_o so_o high_a a_o call_v and_o not_o debase_v myself_o by_o low_o sink_v brutish_a action_n but_o as_o befit_v the_o spiritual_a spouse_n of_o christ_n be_v clothe_v with_o the_o wedding_n garment_n of_o sincere_a purity_n and_o holiness_n that_o so_o i_o may_v never_o be_v separate_v from_o my_o dear_a lord_n but_o ever_o enjoy_v the_o unconceivable_a happiness_n of_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n which_o grant_n o_o merciful_a father_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o bless_a jesus_n amen_n amen_n parable_n vi_o of_o the_o ten_o virgin_n matth._n twenty-five_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o then_o shall_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v liken_v unto_o ten_o virgin_n which_o take_v their_o lamp_n and_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n and_o five_o of_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o five_o be_v foolish_a they_o that_o be_v foolish_a take_v their_o lamp_n and_o take_v no_o oil_n with_o they_o but_o the_o wise_a take_v oil_n in_o their_o vessel_n with_o their_o lamp_n while_o the_o bridegroom_n tarry_v they_o all_o slumber_v and_o sleep_v and_o at_o midnight_n there_o be_v a_o cry_n make_v behold_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v go_v you_o out_o to_o meet_v he_o then_o all_o those_o virgin_n arise_v and_o trim_v their_o lamp_n and_o the_o foolish_a say_v unto_o the_o wise_a give_v we_o of_o your_o oil_n for_o our_o lamp_n be_v go_v out_o but_o the_o wise_a answer_v say_v not_o so_o lest_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o and_o you_o but_o go_v you_o rather_o to_o they_o that_o sell_v and_o buy_v for_o yourselves_o and_o while_o they_o go_v to_o buy_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v and_o they_o that_o be_v ready_a go_v in_o with_o he_o to_o the_o marriage_n and_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v afterward_o come_v also_o the_o other_o virgin_n say_v lord_n lord_n open_a to_o we_o but_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o watch_z therefore_o for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n wherein_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v though_o the_o first_o intention_n of_o this_o parable_n as_o may_v be_v probable_o collect_v from_o the_o forego_n chapter_n which_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o sad_a state_n that_o be_v ever_o long_o to_o overtake_v jerusalem_n for_o the_o jew_n
obstinate_a infidelity_n and_o their_o murder_v their_o saviour_n be_v to_o urge_v the_o jewish_a christian_n to_o a_o preparation_n and_o watchful_a care_n against_o that_o time_n of_o sorrow_n and_o that_o they_o will_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o their_o safety_n by_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o that_o time_n surprise_v they_o not_o in_o wicked_a course_n but_o that_o live_a like_o faithful_a disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a command_n his_o providence_n may_v watch_v over_o they_o and_o secure_v they_o from_o perish_v in_o that_o dreadful_a destruction_n though_o this_o may_v be_v the_o first_o intention_n of_o this_o parable_n yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o design_v likewise_o to_o represent_v the_o necessity_n of_o man_n constant_a preparation_n for_o death_n and_o judgement_n by_o a_o sedulous_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o themselves_o and_o diligent_a practice_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n and_o obligation_n because_o it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a when_o god_n will_v summon_v any_o of_o we_o to_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o appear_v before_o his_o just_a tribunal_n and_o his_o call_n may_v be_v very_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a and_o because_o the_o consequence_n of_o be_v unready_a and_o not_o fit_a to_o obey_v it_o will_v be_v inexpressible_o miserable_a watch_z therefore_o say_v our_o lord_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o parable_n for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o this_o parable_n thus_o understand_v i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o show_v how_o apt_o expressive_a it_o be_v of_o the_o sense_n our_o lord_n couch_v under_o it_o and_o second_o i_o shall_v urge_v that_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v express_v by_o it_o namely_o that_o they_o will_v watch_v and_o be_v ready_a because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n and_o show_v how_o apt_o expressive_a it_o be_v of_o the_o sense_n our_o lord_n couch_v under_o it_o the_o parable_n be_v a_o allusion_n to_o a_o custom_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o friend_n and_o neighbour_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n when_o there_o be_v a_o wedding_n conduct_v he_o to_o the_o bride-chamber_n with_o song_n and_o burn_a lamp_n and_o partake_v of_o a_o entertainment_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o they_o and_o shut_v the_o door_n when_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v enter_v to_o keep_v out_o the_o intrude_a rabble_n and_o afterward_o admit_v none_o that_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o attend_v he_o at_o the_o hour_n he_o come_v which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o the_o sense_n which_o our_o lord_n couch_v under_o this_o representation_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a every_o christian_n shall_v be_v always_o ready_a and_o prepare_v by_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o attend_v the_o call_v of_o christ_n whenever_o he_o shall_v summon_v he_o out_o of_o this_o world_n by_o death_n in_o order_n to_o his_o final_a judgement_n because_o the_o time_n of_o that_o great_a summons_n be_v so_o very_o uncertain_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n respective_o depend_v upon_o man_n be_v prepare_v or_o not_o prepare_v for_o it_o now_o how_o apt_o and_o move_o expressive_a this_o parable_n be_v of_o this_o sense_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o follow_a interpretation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o virgin_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v represent_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n those_o that_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o and_o to_o be_v disciple_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n who_o like_o virgin_n aught_o to_o be_v pure_a and_o spotless_a innocent_a and_o modest_a and_o humble_a solâ—_n and_o temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n pious_a and_o devout_a and_o the_o like_a and_o as_o the_o want_n of_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o good_a qualification_n be_v to_o a_o virgin_n the_o great_a blackening_a and_o disparagement_n so_o the_o want_n of_o they_o in_o christian_n be_v likewise_o the_o great_a dishonour_n to_o they_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n render_v they_o unworthy_a of_o that_o holy_a name_n by_o which_o they_o be_v call_v and_o defile_v and_o stain_v those_o soul_n which_o christ_n purify_v with_o his_o precious_a blood_n that_o they_o may_v be_v his_o own_o peculiar_a zealous_a of_o good_a work_n by_o half_a of_o those_o virgin_n be_v wise_a and_o half_a foolish_a be_v represent_v the_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v among_o those_o that_o go_v under_o the_o same_o general_a character_n of_o christian_n some_o vain_a and_o idle_a careless_a and_o unthoughtful_a take_v up_o with_o the_o gaiety_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o world_n lavish_a of_o their_o reputation_n and_o loose_v in_o their_o conversation_n and_o behaviour_n while_o other_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o consider_v the_o character_n they_o bear_v and_o live_v as_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v with_o care_n and_o circamspection_n watchfulness_n and_o a_o diligent_a and_o attentive_a piety_n that_o so_o they_o may_v preserve_v their_o honour_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o profession_n inviolate_a and_o unstained_a and_o be_v present_v as_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n that_o divine_a bridegroom_n whenever_o he_o shall_v come_v by_o the_o lamp_n of_o those_o virgin_n be_v express_v the_o soul_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v to_o burn_v with_o holy_a fire_n of_o love_n and_o devotion_n to_o god_n and_o their_o saviour_n and_o make_v they_o as_o so_o many_o light_n in_o this_o dark_a and_o benight_a world_n for_o you_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n say_v our_o lord_n to_o his_o disciple_n therefore_o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 5.14_o 16._o that_o be_v as_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o in_o who_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o as_o they_o be_v warm_v by_o his_o influence_n who_o descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o fire_n and_o have_v divine_a affection_n by_o his_o holy_a breathe_n enkindle_v in_o they_o so_o they_o shall_v influence_n the_o whole_a man_n and_o make_v those_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n like_v so_o many_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n so_o many_o eminent_a example_n of_o piety_n and_o real_a goodness_n such_o as_o by_o these_o own_o practice_n shall_v recommend_v their_o most_o hloy_v religion_n and_o set_v before_o man_n eye_n the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n by_o their_o own_o conversation_n by_o the_o bridegroom_n who_o these_o virgin_n with_o their_o lamp_n go_v forth_o to_o meet_v be_v represent_v our_o dear_a saviour_n that_o heavenly_a king_n be_v divine_a son_n for_o who_o he_o make_v so_o glorious_a a_o marriage_n in_o the_o parable_n i_o last_o discourse_v of_o where_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o gospel_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o marriage_n and_o our_o lord_n to_o a_o bridegroom_n be_v particular_o insist_v on_o and_o by_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v this_o divine_a bridegroom_n be_v signify_v our_o prepare_v against_o his_o call_v we_o from_o this_o world_n by_o death_n and_o provide_v against_o his_o advent_n to_o judgement_n that_o be_v by_o frequent_o contemplate_v our_o mortality_n reflect_v on_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o our_o time_n while_o we_o have_v it_o as_o not_o know_v how_o soon_o our_o breath_n may_v be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o because_o after_o death_n come_v judgement_n therefore_o endeavour_v to_o make_v ready_a our_o account_n by_o frequent_a self-examination_n and_o from_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o that_o great_a day_n and_o the_o severe_a scrutiny_n into_o our_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o word_n and_o action_n that_o we_o must_v then_o undergo_v collect_v with_o s._n peter_n 3.11_o 2_o pet._n 3.11_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v of_o the_o great_a judge_n in_o peace_n and_o as_o virgin_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a by_o the_o oil_n in_o the_o virgin_n lamp_n and_o which_o they_o take_v with_o they_o in_o their_o vessel_n when_o they_o go_v to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n be_v represent_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a nourishment_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o lamp_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o solomon_n call_v it_o and_o will_v brighten_v and_o enliven_v it_o as_o plenty_n of_o oil_n do_v a_o
they_o that_o hate_v you_o mat._n 5.44_o and_o rom._n 12.20_o if_o thy_o enemy_n hunger_n feed_v he_o if_o he_o thirst_v give_v he_o drink_v and_o in_o this_o parable_n our_o lord_n propose_v to_o our_o imitation_n the_o example_n of_o a_o samaritan_n take_v great_a care_n of_o a_o unfortunate_a jew_n though_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a enmity_n than_o between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o samaritan_n and_o that_o ground_a upon_o what_o of_o all_o thing_n make_v ill_o will_v the_o most_o inveterate_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n and_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v a_o barbarous_a piece_n of_o cruelty_n and_o inhumanity_n if_o i_o shall_v let_v a_o man_n perish_v without_o any_o commiseration_n or_o help_n from_o i_o when_o i_o be_o able_a to_o give_v it_o he_o because_o he_o have_v former_o it_o may_v be_v be_v unkind_a or_o injurious_a to_o i_o or_o be_v of_o a_o different_a religion_n and_o of_o a_o nation_n that_o be_v in_o hostility_n with_o that_o to_o which_o i_o belong_v this_o certain_o be_v not_o do_v as_o i_o will_v be_v do_v to_o nor_o love_v my_o neighbour_n as_o myself_o for_o every_o man_n in_o a_o religious_a sense_n be_v my_o neighbour_n it_o be_v more_o like_o the_o rage_n of_o a_o tiger_n than_o the_o bowel_n of_o a_o man_n or_o the_o malice_n of_o a_o devil_n than_o the_o charity_n of_o a_o christian_n as_o for_o charity_n to_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n that_o be_v express_o command_v in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n particular_o 1_v pet._n 4.9_o where_o what_o we_o translate_v use_v hospitality_n one_o to_o another_o be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v kind_a to_o stranger_n 13.2_o hob._n 13.2_o and_o by_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o probability_n of_o receive_v angel_n unaware_o in_o that_o disguise_n as_o abraham_n and_o lot_n do_v gen._n 18.3_o and_o 19.2_o be_v make_v the_o motive_n to_o it_o and_o how_o excellent_a a_o piece_n of_o charity_n this_o be_v and_o how_o conducive_a to_o the_o prevention_n of_o much_o sin_n and_o misery_n i_o need_v not_o spend_v much_o time_n to_o prove_v there_o be_v few_o that_o have_v live_v any_o considerable_a time_n in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v see_v more_o part_n of_o it_o than_o one_o but_o have_v some_o time_n or_o other_o either_o taste_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o hospitable_a disposition_n or_o smart_v for_o the_o want_n of_o it_o and_o such_o man_n be_v the_o fit_a to_o tell_v their_o thought_n of_o either_o that_o be_v how_o inhuman_a it_o be_v to_o be_v without_o bowel_n to_o a_o indigent_a stranger_n and_o how_o happy_a mankind_n will_v be_v in_o every_o place_n be_v the_o order_n of_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n due_o observe_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o as_o for_o wicked-person_n who_o deserve_v the_o least_o compassion_n of_o any_o if_o they_o be_v in_o other_o respect_n real_a object_n of_o charity_n their_o wickedness_n must_v not_o put_v a_o bar_n to_o it_o for_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v 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the_o example_n of_o the_o discreet_o and_o thorough_o charitabe_v samaritan_n in_o the_o parable_n and_o be_v more_o careful_a of_o this_o our_o duty_n for_o the_o future_a for_o if_o we_o prove_v ill_a steward_n of_o the_o talent_n god_n have_v commit_v to_o our_o trust_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o calamity_n of_o our_o brethren_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o have_v the_o sin_n of_o unfaithfulness_n and_o base_a ingratitude_n to_o answer_v for_o but_o the_o profane_a flout_n and_o cavil_n of_o the_o atheistical_a the_o curse_n and_o imprecation_n of_o the_o desperate_o miserable_a the_o theft_n and_o murder_n and_o other_o villainy_n of_o such_o who_o unrelieved_a poverty_n force_v to_o be_v thus_o wicked_a and_o the_o blood_n of_o such_o as_o die_v for_o want_v of_o succour_n all_o this_o will_v be_v charge_v upon_o we_o and_o overwhelm_v we_o with_o eternal_a horror_n and_o confusion_n wherefore_o to_o conclude_v while_o we_o have_v time_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o 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prison_n and_o you_o visit_v i_o not_o from_o which_o terrible_a condemnation_n and_o that_o harden_a disposition_n that_o deserve_v it_o and_o will_v inevitable_o bring_v it_o down_o upon_o we_o if_o not_o speedy_o amend_v the_o merciful_a and_o good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o compassion_n in_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n amen_n amen_n the_o prayer_n o_o most_o compassionate_a jesus_n the_o great_a pattern_n of_o charity_n who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o flesh_n went_a about_o do_v good_a to_o mankind_n relieve_v the_o necessity_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o have_v command_v thy_o disciple_n to_o go_v and_o do_v likewise_o give_v i_o the_o grace_n i_o beseech_v thou_o according_a to_o my_o ability_n to_o be_v charitable_a to_o all_o that_o be_v real_o necessitous_a without_o except_v any_o but_o always_o to_o guide_v these_o good_a work_n with_o discretion_n lest_o by_o my_o ill-placed_a alm_n i_o encourage_v debauchery_n and_o sloth_n 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amends_o for_o if_o abundance_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n will_v certain_o make_v a_o man_n wise_a and_o better_a if_o it_o will_v clear_v his_o apprehension_n or_o strengthen_v his_o memory_n or_o improve_v his_o reason_v if_o it_o will_v make_v he_o more_o prudent_a and_o discreet_a and_o of_o a_o ripe_a judgement_n if_o it_o will_v increase_v piety_n and_o religion_n and_o promote_v a_o godlike_a frame_n of_o spirit_n nay_o if_o it_o will_v but_o so_o much_o as_o refine_v a_o man_n temper_n and_o make_v he_o of_o more_o sweet_a and_o oblige_a behaviour_n or_o regulate_v the_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o help_v he_o to_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o cure_v anger_n and_o pride_n and_o envy_n and_o lust_n and_o revenge_n or_o the_o like_a if_o abundance_n of_o riches_n will_v work_v any_o of_o these_o good_a effect_n it_o will_v be_v worth_a while_n earnest_o to_o desire_v they_o and_o industrious_o to_o endeavour_v to_o procure_v they_o but_o when_o it_o 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much_o good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n show_v the_o folly_n of_o expect_v even_o this_o world_n happiness_n from_o abundance_n of_o riches_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n be_v general_o observe_v to_o be_v more_o sickly_a and_o deprave_a in_o rich_a than_o poor_a person_n their_o sleep_n worse_a rather_o than_o better_a than_o other_o man_n 5.12_o eccl._n 5.12_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o rich_a will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o sleep_v say_v solomon_n but_o the_o sleep_n of_o the_o labour_a man_n be_v sweet_a eat_v he_o little_a or_o eat_v he_o much_o and_o that_o health_n be_v much_o more_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o rich_a than_o to_o the_o mean_a sort_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o have_v a_o body_n vigorous_a and_o active_a without_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o weakness_n and_o disease_n almost_o engross_v by_o the_o labour_a poor_a beside_o this_o which_o yet_o alone_o be_v enough_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o folly_n to_o expect_v even_o this_o world_n happiness_n from_o abundance_n of_o riches_n for_o without_o health_n which_o luxury_n destroy_v the_o most_o of_o any_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o taste_n or_o relish_v in_o any_o other_o of_o its_o enjoyment_n there_o be_v this_o one_o reason_n more_o among_o other_o that_o will_v far_o and_o i_o think_v evident_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a folly_n to_o expect_v to_o be_v happy_a even_o in_o this_o world_n by_o grow_v rich_a and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o riches_n be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o unsatisfy_a and_o the_o most_o perplex_v other_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n do_v in_o some_o sort_n satisfy_v and_o man_n be_v often_o cloy_v with_o pleasure_n have_v enough_o of_o mirth_n and_o jollity_n of_o recreation_n and_o diversion_n and_o the_o like_a and_o the_o mind_n be_v for_o a_o while_n ease_v and_o refresh_v by_o they_o but_o as_o for_o riches_n as_o they_o increase_v the_o desire_n of_o still_o more_o increase_v proportionable_o nay_o rather_o disproportionable_o with_o they_o and_o it_o be_v never_o yet_o know_v that_o a_o worldly-minded_n man_n ever_o think_v he_o have_v enough_o but_o that_o his_o appetite_n grow_v keen_a after_o wealth_n the_o more_o it_o be_v feed_v with_o it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o unusual_a to_o hear_v the_o great_a complaint_n murmur_n and_o repine_n from_o the_o rich_a men._n and_o as_o for_o the_o perplexity_n that_o attend_v abundance_n of_o wealth_n that_o likewise_o be_v as_o evident_a to_o common_a observation_n the_o more_o a_o man_n have_v the_o more_o care_n he_o must_v take_v to_o preserve_v it_o the_o more_o quarrel_n and_o law-suit_n will_v he_o be_v embroil_v in_o and_o when_o there_o be_v trouble_n and_o commotion_n in_o the_o state_n and_o time_n grow_v dangerous_a and_o uncertain_a then_o be_v the_o great_a worldling_n full_a of_o fear_n and_o dreadful_a apprehension_n and_o not_o only_o real_a but_o imaginary_a danger_n terrify_v their_o unman_v soul_n thing_n always_o appear_v with_o the_o worst_a aspect_n to_o their_o trouble_a fancy_n who_o have_v make_v gold_n their_o deity_n and_o tie_v up_o their_o happiness_n in_o their_o bag_n and_o nothing_o certain_o can_v be_v more_o perplex_v to_o a_o man_n mind_n than_o such_o great_a fear_n of_o lose_v that_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o which_o his_o whole_a happiness_n be_v concentre_v and_o according_o solomon_n who_o have_v great_a possession_n above_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o and_o gather_v he_o silver_n and_o gold_n in_o such_o abundance_n that_o silver_n be_v in_o jerusalem_n common_a as_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o street_n 10.27_o 1_o king_n 10.27_o after_o all_o say_v he_o eccles_n 5.10_o 11._o he_o that_o love_v silver_n shall_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o silver_n nor_o he_o that_o love_v abundance_n with_o increase_n and_o what_o good_a be_v there_o to_o the_o owner_n thereof_o save_v the_o behold_n of_o it_o with_o their_o eye_n and_o even_o the_o eye_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o see_v neither_o and_o st._n paul_n say_v very_o plain_o that_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a and_o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n 10._o 1_o tim._n 6.9_o 10._o and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o divers_a sorrow_n and_o that_o contentment_n with_o only_a food_n and_o raiment_n be_v a_o far_o great_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o good_a reason_n have_v the_o wise_a king_n to_o say_v after_o all_o his_o increase_n and_o the_o abundance_n he_o have_v amass_v together_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_a vanity_n but_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n eccles_n 2.11_o now_o that_o which_o can_v never_o satisfy_v and_o as_o it_o increase_v increase_v a_o man_n trouble_n and_o perplexity_n which_o be_v true_a we_o see_v of_o riches_n be_v no_o doubt_n far_o from_o conduce_v to_o a_o man_n happiness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a folly_n for_o any_o man_n to_o depend_v upon_o abundance_n of_o wealth_n for_o happiness_n for_o it_o be_v rather_o the_o cause_n of_o much_o trouble_n and_o disquietude_n or_o however_o god_n may_v sudden_o deprive_v a_o rich_a worldling_n of_o all_o he_o have_v by_o death_n and_o say_v as_o in_o the_o parable_n thou_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v require_v of_o thou_o than_o who_o shall_v those_o thing_n be_v which_o thou_o have_v provide_v for_o as_o we_o bring_v nothing_o into_o the_o world_n so_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o can_v carry_v nothing_o out_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o folly_n of_o immoderate_a desire_n of_o riches_n in_o expectation_n of_o a_o happy_a life_n from_o abundance_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o show_v the_o vileness_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o covetousness_n and_o of_o place_v the_o happiness_n of_o life_n in_o great_a store_n of_o wealth_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a vile_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n immoderate_o to_o covet_v riches_n and_o place_v the_o happiness_n of_o his_o life_n in_o abundance_n of_o they_o will_v be_v very_o evident_a if_o we_o brief_o consider_v what_o a_o man_n be_v and_o what_o abundance_n of_o wealth_n be_v and_o what_o little_a or_o no_o proportion_n the_o one_o bear_n to_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o other_o a_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n endow_v with_o a_o rational_a and_o immortal_a soul_n capable_a of_o know_v admire_v love_v and_o enjoy_v god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a good_a and_o the_o centre_n of_o felicity_n as_o a_o christian_n he_o be_v a_o adopt_a son_n of_o god_n coheir_n with_o christ_n of_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o eternal_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o design_v to_o participate_v of_o those_o river_n of_o divine_a pleasure_n that_o be_v at_o god_n right-hand_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o as_o for_o
before_o we_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o parable_n learn_v this_o short_a but_o excellent_a lesson_n namely_o that_o when_o sudden_a ill_a accident_n befall_v our_o neighbour_n we_o do_v not_o present_o make_v conclusion_n as_o be_v too_o often_o do_v especial_o where_o there_o have_v be_v any_o enmity_n or_o difference_n between_o the_o party_n that_o god_n have_v meet_v with_o they_o by_o his_o judgement_n for_o some_o extraordinary_a wickedness_n of_o they_o and_o pronounce_v they_o worse_o man_n than_o ourselves_o or_o other_o that_o escape_n because_o they_o suffer_v such_o thing_n for_o this_o be_v a_o very_a rash_a and_o uncharitable_a sentence_n and_o may_v be_v far_o from_o truth_n but_o rather_o by_o god_n severity_n upon_o other_o be_v incline_v to_o reflect_v upon_o our_o self_n and_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o he_o for_o our_o own_o iniquity_n and_o entire_o resolve_v to_o forsake_v every_o evil_a way_n lest_o we_o likewise_o fall_v under_o the_o like_a express_v of_o his_o vengeance_n in_o this_o world_n or_o of_o infinite_o worse_a in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v in_o the_o parable_n itself_o be_v represent_v god_n method_n of_o proceed_v with_o sinner_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n from_o first_o to_o last_o and_o it_o be_v this_o first_o he_o plant_v they_o in_o his_o vineyard_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o by_o the_o good_a cultivate_a of_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o refresh_a influence_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n upon_o their_o soul_n they_o may_v become_v fruitful_a of_o such_o good_a work_n as_o may_v fit_v and_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n to_o which_o in_o due_a season_n they_o be_v to_o be_v transplant_v after_o they_o be_v thus_o place_v in_o his_o vineyard_n and_o cultivate_v by_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o look_v for_o a_o proportionable_a fruitfulness_n from_o they_o and_o that_o after_o all_o his_o care_n and_o goodness_n to_o they_o they_o will_v for_o their_o part_n make_v he_o a_o due_a return_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o evangelical_n righteousness_n as_o when_o a_o tree_n be_v remove_v from_o a_o poor_a to_o a_o rich_a soil_n and_o much_o care_n and_o husbandry_n use_v about_o it_o it_o be_v expect_v it_o shall_v grow_v and_o flourish_v according_o and_o bring_v forth_o more_o and_o better_a fruit._n after_o god_n have_v with_o much_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n yearly_o seek_v for_o fruit_n from_o they_o and_o be_v as_o often_o disappoint_v his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o justice_n prompt_v he_o to_o rid_v his_o vineyard_n of_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o those_o unprofitable_a tree_n to_o remove_v from_o the_o society_n of_o his_o faithful_a disciple_n those_o that_o be_v a_o trouble_n and_o a_o scandal_n to_o they_o and_o as_o barren_a tree_n be_v lay_v aside_o to_o be_v burn_v so_o to_o consign_v they_o to_o those_o everlasting_a burn_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n but_o though_o in_o justice_n he_o purpose_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o unfruitful_a yet_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n through_o the_o intercession_n of_o the_o compassionate_a jesus_n the_o dresser_n of_o this_o his_o vineyard_n the_o head_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n incline_v he_o to_o a_o still_o far_a forbearance_n till_o they_o shall_v be_v cultivate_v and_o manure_v afresh_o by_o the_o again_o repeat_v instruction_n and_o exhortation_n of_o his_o servant_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o reiterated_a motion_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n and_o then_o if_o they_o bear_v fruit_n well_o happy_a will_v it_o be_v for_o they_o but_o if_o not_o after_o that_o he_o will_v cut_v they_o down_o and_o utter_o destroy_v they_o of_o each_o of_o these_o particular_n we_o shall_v now_o discourse_v in_o their_o order_n the_o first_o be_v god_n wondrous_a care_n and_o tenderness_n of_o sinner_n in_o plant_v they_o in_o his_o vineyard_n as_o the_o parable_n express_v it_o that_o be_v receive_v they_o into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n where_o they_o be_v cultivate_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o their_o soul_n water_v with_o gentle_a shower_n from_o above_o the_o bless_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o they_o may_v flourish_n and_o become_v fruitful_a of_o such_o good_a work_n as_o may_v prepare_v they_o for_o the_o felicity_n of_o heaven_n to_o which_o in_o due_a time_n they_o shall_v be_v transplant_v before_o the_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n the_o jewish_a church_n be_v god_n vineyard_n his_o peculiar_a enclosure_n and_o the_o subject_a of_o his_o more_o immediate_a care_n and_o government_n and_o all_o but_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n be_v exclude_v as_o wild_a uncultivated_a tree_n and_o leave_v to_o themselves_o in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o the_o world_n for_o so_o in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n be_v all_o but_o the_o land_n of_o jewry_n the_o lot_n of_o their_o inheritance_n afterward_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v that_o god_n will_v take_v pity_n upon_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o adam_n and_o receive_v all_o mankind_n to_o his_o favour_n he_o then_o enlarge_v that_o his_o vineyard_n and_o give_v a_o free_a admittance_n to_o all_o that_o will_v submit_v to_o the_o culture_n and_o government_n of_o his_o eternal_a son_n who_o he_o send_v to_o break_v down_o the_o former_a enclosure_n and_o make_v it_o more_o capacious_a even_o as_o large_a as_o the_o world_n itself_o and_o commit_v it_o to_o his_o management_n make_v he_o the_o great_a dresser_n of_o this_o vineyard_n the_o head_n and_o governor_n of_o this_o universal_a church_n that_o through_o his_o excellent_a direction_n and_o the_o care_n and_o industry_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o the_o decree_n from_o above_o of_o his_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n and_o above_o all_o through_o the_o wondrous_a efficacy_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n with_o which_o he_o plentiful_o enrich_v this_o his_o new_a plantation_n it_o may_v thrive_v and_o flourish_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o he_o by_o who_o it_o be_v dress_v even_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o such_o as_o be_v meet_v for_o repentance_n such_o as_o may_v advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n by_o the_o salvation_n of_o innumerable_a soul_n that_o none_o make_v after_o his_o image_n may_v perish_v but_o all_o come_v to_o everlasting_a life_n god_n vineyard_n then_o be_v thus_o enlarge_v and_o his_o church_n now_o no_o long_o confine_v to_o a_o corner_n of_o the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n make_v universal_a that_o all_o man_n may_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n man_n be_v again_o as_o it_o be_v seat_v in_o paradise_n and_o reconcile_v to_o god_n it_o be_v again_o put_v into_o his_o power_n to_o continue_v in_o his_o maker_n favour_n and_o after_o a_o happy_a life_n in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v transplant_v into_o that_o heavenly_a country_n where_o be_v the_o residence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o river_n of_o ineffable_a pleasure_n which_o flow_v for_o evermore_o as_o through_o the_o disobedience_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n mankind_n be_v drive_v out_o of_o paradise_n and_o doom_v to_o live_v and_o labour_v among_o briar_n and_o thorn_n as_o under_o the_o displeasure_n of_o his_o creator_n and_o then_o to_o die_v and_o return_v to_o his_o dust_n so_o through_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o second_o adam_n even_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o atonement_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n all_o that_o sad_a sentence_n and_o condemnation_n be_v in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n reverse_v and_o we_o be_v again_o plant_v in_o the_o vineyard_n and_o garden_n of_o god_n recall_v from_o the_o portion_n of_o thorn_n and_o briar_n and_o restore_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o our_o creator_n and_o at_o length_n to_o change_v this_o corruptible_a for_o incorruptible_a this_o dishonour_n and_o weakness_n for_o glory_n and_o power_n this_o natural_a for_o a_o spiritual_a body_n this_o mortal_a life_n for_o immortality_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v the_o say_v that_o be_v write_v 15._o 1_o cor._n 15._o death_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o victory_n o_o bless_a alteration_n o_o happy_a change_n of_o misery_n and_o shame_n for_o happiness_n and_o glory_n o_o the_o miraculous_a love_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n in_o thus_o commiserate_v our_o deplorable_a condition_n and_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o translate_n we_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n and_o make_v we_o meet_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n happy_a be_v they_o who_o have_v hear_v of_o these_o glad_a tiding_n and_o be_v plant_v in_o this_o spiritual_a vineyard_n and_o under_o the_o care_n and_o cultivation_n of_o the_o great_a
still_o long_o reprieve_n hope_v that_o at_o length_n the_o sinner_n may_v be_v awaken_v by_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o inward_a motion_n and_o excitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n and_o see_v and_o fear_v his_o danger_n and_o return_v by_o repentance_n and_o do_v no_o more_o wicked_o for_o so_o in_o the_o next_o place_v it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o parable_n that_o when_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o vineyard_n give_v order_n that_o the_o barren_a figtree_n shall_v be_v cut_v down_o the_o dresser_n of_o the_o vineyard_n by_o who_o our_o saviour_n be_v represent_v answer_v say_v unto_o he_o let_v it_o alone_o this_o year_n also_o till_o i_o shall_v dig_v about_o it_o and_o dung_n it_o christ_n be_v our_o merciful_a and_o faithful_a highpriest_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n 18._o heb._n 2.17_o 18._o to_o make_v reconciliation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n for_o he_o know_v our_o infirmity_n and_o in_o that_o he_o himself_o have_v suffer_v be_v tempt_v he_o be_v able_a also_o to_o succour_v those_o that_o be_v tempt_v and_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o 7.25_o heb._n 7.25_o he_o move_v for_o a_o still_o long_o respite_n and_o promise_n to_o use_v new_a method_n that_o we_o may_v become_v fruitful_a of_o such_o good_a work_n as_o will_v be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o father_n sight_n and_o according_o cultivate_v and_o manure_n our_o soul_n with_o repeat_v exhortation_n to_o repentance_n press_v the_o discourse_n of_o his_o minister_n still_o more_o home_n upon_o man_n conscience_n and_o give_v new_a aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n provide_v new_a happy_a circumstance_n by_o his_o providence_n for_o our_o good_a such_o as_o a_o faithful_a instructor_n good_a conversation_n and_o example_n pious_a book_n and_o discourse_n which_o may_v warm_v and_o enliven_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o awaken_v attention_n and_o soften_v the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o render_v it_o penetrable_a by_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o receptive_a of_o the_o bless_a impression_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o as_o loosen_a the_o mould_n about_o the_o root_n of_o a_o tree_n and_o cherish_v it_o with_o the_o kindly_a warmth_n of_o dung_n be_v very_o conducive_a to_o the_o spread_a of_o its_o fibre_n and_o make_v it_o flourish_v and_o grow_v fruitful_a so_o these_o gracious_a method_n of_o the_o great_a dresser_n of_o god_n spiritual_a vinevard_n christ_n jesus_n may_v so_o influence_n the_o soul_n of_o christian_n as_o to_o make_v they_o bear_v much_o fruit_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o everlasting_a salvation_n this_o be_v the_o last_o course_n that_o can_v be_v take_v for_o a_o sinner_n safety_n and_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o happiness_n there_o be_v no_o long_a hope_n it_o be_v like_o the_o intercession_n of_o a_o favourite_n for_o a_o condemn_a criminal_a upon_o condition_n of_o his_o better_a conversation_n for_o the_o future_a but_o if_o he_o again_o return_v to_o his_o old_a vile_a course_n his_o friend_n then_o abandon_v he_o as_o one_o that_o deserve_v to_o perish_v and_o so_o here_o in_o the_o parable_n christ_n the_o belove_a son_n of_o god_n intercede_v for_o a_o miserable_a sinner_n ready_a for_o destruction_n and_o beg_v a_o reprieve_n for_o he_o to_o see_v if_o time_n and_o far_a care_n will_v cure_v his_o wickedness_n but_o if_o this_o prove_v ineffectual_a there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n his_o intercessor_n will_v then_o give_v he_o over_o for_o desperate_a and_o suffer_v justice_n to_o take_v its_o course_n for_o so_o say_v the_o dresser_n of_o the_o vineyard_n to_o his_o lord_n if_o after_o i_o have_v dig_v about_o it_o and_o dung_v it_o it_o bear_v fruit_n well_o but_o if_o not_o then_o after_o that_o thou_o shall_v cut_v it_o down_o and_o this_o in_o the_o last_o place_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o deplorable_a condition_n of_o such_o as_o after_o all_o the_o method_n of_o grace_n for_o their_o reformation_n be_v still_o harden_v in_o their_o wickedness_n christ_n will_v no_o more_o appear_v in_o their_o behalf_n no_o more_o thought_n shall_v be_v take_v for_o their_o safety_n but_o their_o compassionate_a intercessor_n shall_v then_o become_v their_o stern_a and_o inexorable_a judge_n and_o when_o the_o dreadful_a day_n of_o doom_n shall_v come_v and_o the_o miserable_a wretch_n appear_v before_o his_o throne_n to_o receive_v the_o just_a recompense_n of_o their_o obstinate_a impiety_n then_o shall_v that_o jesus_n who_o once_o so_o earnest_o plead_v with_o god_n in_o their_o behalf_n pronounce_v the_o dreadful_a sentence_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n depart_v from_o i_o your_o saviour_n and_o once_o compassionate_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o you_o be_v from_o henceforch_n and_o for_o ever_o deprive_v of_o all_o hope_n of_o redemption_n and_o reinstatement_n into_o the_o favour_n of_o my_o father_n be_v banish_v for_o ever_o from_o all_o intercourse_n with_o heaven_n without_o any_o intercessor_n any_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n any_o advocate_n to_o plead_v their_o cause_n and_o without_o any_o place_n for_o repentance_n to_o eternal_a age_n depart_v to_o the_o region_n of_o endless_a horror_n and_o despair_n in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o this_o be_v but_o the_o just_a demerit_n of_o your_o obstinate_a wickedness_n who_o despise_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v have_v lead_v you_o to_o repentance_n this_o be_v the_o sad_a end_n of_o irreclaimable_a sinner_n this_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o a_o unfruitful_a profession_n of_o christianity_n wherefore_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o that_o forget_v god_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a lest_o he_o pluck_v they_o away_o and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v they_o let_v they_o no_o long_o turn_v the_o grace_n and_o forbearance_n of_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n but_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v for_o god_n be_v just_a as_o well_o as_o merciful_a and_o though_o slow_a to_o wrath_n and_o of_o great_a goodness_n repent_v he_o of_o the_o evil_a yet_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o obstinate_o guilty_a but_o to_o such_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n the_o prayer_n i._o o_o merciful_a god_n who_o have_v plant_v i_o in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o thy_o dear_a son_n the_o christian_a church_n and_o by_o the_o culture_n of_o thy_o minister_n and_o the_o enliven_a influence_n of_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n have_v take_v tender_a care_n of_o my_o growth_n and_o that_o i_o thrive_v and_o flourish_v in_o all_o spiritual_a excellency_n till_o i_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v transplant_v to_o thy_o heavenly_a paradise_n i_o bless_v thy_o infinite_a goodness_n for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o this_o thy_o vineyard_n so_o as_o to_o extend_v even_o to_o we_o though_o so_o remote_a from_o thy_o first_o plantation_n and_o for_o those_o extraordinary_a help_n we_o of_o this_o church_n have_v in_o order_n to_o our_o increase_n in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o earnest_o beg_v that_o we_o may_v not_o produce_v leave_v only_o the_o mock_v appearance_n of_o christian_a virtue_n but_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o sincere_a religion_n in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o holy_a conversation_n ii_o i_o acknowledge_v with_o admiration_n at_o thy_o infinite_a love_n to_o mankind_n that_o it_o be_v our_o happiness_n thou_o respect_v in_o thus_o indispensible_o require_v fruit_n of_o we_o not_o any_o acquisition_n to_o thyself_o who_o art_n infinite_o full_a already_o and_o the_o overflow_a fountain_n of_o all_o possible_a good_a thou_o command_v that_o our_o fruit_n shall_v be_v unto_o holiness_n because_o we_o shall_v otherwise_o be_v incapable_a of_o the_o bless_a end_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o spend_v our_o day_n in_o misery_n in_o this_o low_a world_n o_o lord_n as_o be_v thy_o majesty_n so_o be_v thy_o mercy_n o_o make_v i_o due_o sensible_a of_o thy_o tender_a care_n of_o my_o happiness_n and_o may_v it_o never_o through_o my_o wretched_a obstinacy_n be_v in_o vain_a and_o in_o vain_a it_o will_v be_v be_v not_o thy_o long-suffering_a wonderful_a with_o what_o amaze_a patience_n do_v thou_o wait_v to_o see_v if_o at_o length_n i_o shall_v be_v fruitful_a how_o often_o have_v i_o disappoint_v thy_o just_a expectation_n and_o yet_o thou_o have_v still_o forbear_v i_o through_o thy_o own_o compassion_n and_o the_o intercession_n of_o my_o dear_a redeemer_n the_o dresser_n of_o thy_o vineyard_n who_o have_v ply_v i_o with_o new_a method_n of_o conversion_n fresh_a application_n to_o invigorate_v my_o piety_n that_o at_o the_o last_o i_o may_v return_v thou_o acceptable_a fruit_n and_o escape_v the_o sad_a punishment_n of_o barrenness_n
thou_o have_v do_v all_o o_o bless_a god_n that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o secure_v the_o happiness_n of_o rational_a and_o free_a agent_n i_o therefore_o beg_v with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n of_o a_o awaken_v soul_n that_o thy_o goodness_n long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n may_v soften_v my_o spirit_n and_o lead_v i_o to_o repentance_n and_o melt_v i_o into_o shame_n and_o tear_n of_o penitential_a sorrow_n for_o have_v so_o long_o abuse_v the_o tender_a kindness_n of_o so_o good_a a_o god_n o_o let_v not_o thy_o lenity_n ever_o extinguish_v the_o dread_a of_o thy_o vengeance_n which_o though_o slow_a be_v sure_a and_o may_v i_o serious_o consider_v that_o if_o this_o thy_o mercy_n be_v not_o effectual_a to_o my_o reformation_n it_o will_v but_o add_v weight_n to_o the_o eternal_a ruin_n i_o deserve_v may_v these_o consideration_n most_o gracious_a god_n never_o depart_v from_o my_o mind_n till_o fruit_n be_v add_v to_o my_o leave_n and_o i_o experience_v the_o power_n of_o true_a godliness_n which_o thing_n if_o thou_o will_v grant_v i_o then_o will_v i_o praise_v thou_o without_o cease_v and_o magnify_v thy_o goodness_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n amen_n parable_n xi_o of_o the_o prodigal_n son_n luke_n xv_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o and_o jesus_n say_v a_o certain_a man_n have_v two_o son_n and_o the_o young_a of_o they_o say_v to_o his_o father_n father_n give_v i_o the_o portion_n of_o good_n that_o fall_v to_o i_o and_o he_o divide_v unto_o they_o his_o live_n and_o not_o many_o day_n after_o the_o young_a son_n gather_v all_o together_o and_o take_v his_o journey_n into_o a_o far_a country_n and_o there_o waste_v his_o substance_n in_o riotous_a live_n and_o when_o he_o have_v spend_v all_o there_o arise_v a_o mighty_a famine_n in_o that_o land_n and_o he_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o want_n and_o he_o go_v and_o join_v himself_o to_o a_o citizen_n of_o that_o country_n and_o he_o send_v he_o into_o his_o field_n to_o feed_v swine_n and_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v fill_v his_o belly_n with_o the_o husk_n that_o the_o swine_n do_v eat_v and_o no_o man_n give_v unto_o he_o and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o he_o say_v how_o many_o hire_a servant_n of_o my_o father_n have_v bread_n enough_o and_o to_o spare_v and_o i_o perish_v with_o hunger_n i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o will_v say_v unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n and_o he_o arise_v and_o come_v to_o his_o father_n but_o when_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o his_o father_n see_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n and_o run_v and_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o and_o the_o son_n say_v unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o in_o thy_o sight_n and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n but_o the_o father_n say_v to_o his_o servant_n bring_v forth_o the_o best_a robe_n and_o put_v it_o on_o he_o and_o put_v a_o ring_n on_o his_o hand_n and_o shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n and_o bring_v hither_o the_o fat_a calf_n and_o kill_v it_o and_o let_v we_o eat_v and_o be_v merry_a for_o this_o my_o son_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o he_o be_v lose_v and_o be_v find_v this_o whole_a chapter_n from_o the_o three_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n be_v intend_v to_o represent_v the_o great_a tenderness_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n his_o great_a desire_n that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o turn_v from_o their_o wicked_a course_n and_o how_o high_o please_v to_o he_o it_o be_v when_o they_o sincere_o do_v so_o and_o this_o be_v express_v in_o three_o parable_n the_o first_o of_o a_o man_n seek_v diligent_o a_o sheep_n that_o he_o have_v lose_v and_o leave_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o flock_n till_o he_o have_v find_v it_o and_o then_o rejoice_v great_o and_o tell_v his_o neighbour_n the_o good_a news_n and_o invite_v they_o to_o partake_v of_o his_o joy_n the_o second_o be_v of_o a_o woman_n have_v lose_v a_o piece_n of_o silver_n and_o seek_v very_o careful_o till_o she_o have_v find_v it_o and_o then_o in_o like_a manner_n rejoice_v with_o her_o friend_n for_o her_o good_a success_n and_o the_o three_o parable_n be_v that_o of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n and_o because_o they_o be_v all_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o discourse_v of_o one_o of_o they_o only_o and_o the_o last_o be_v the_o most_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a i_o shall_v consider_v that_o the_o occasion_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v speak_v these_o parable_n be_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n find_v fault_n with_o he_o for_o instruct_v and_o converse_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n for_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o very_o scandalous_a and_o a_o kind_n of_o pollution_n to_o have_v any_o familiarity_n with_o those_o worst_a of_o man_n as_o they_o think_v they_o and_o murmur_v against_o our_o saviour_n say_v this_o man_n receive_v sinner_n and_o eat_v with_o they_o ver_fw-la 2._o to_o this_o objection_n of_o they_o against_o he_o he_o answer_v in_o the_o parable_n before_o mention_v and_o show_v how_o unreasonable_o uncharitable_a they_o be_v to_o think_v much_o of_o his_o teach_v and_o converse_v with_o those_o who_o because_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n have_v therefore_o the_o most_o need_n of_o his_o holy_a instruction_n and_o excellent_a example_n that_o they_o may_v be_v reform_v and_o reclaim_v from_o their_o wicked_a practice_n for_o as_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o the_o whole_a have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o physician_n but_o those_o that_o be_v sick_a and_o therefore_o he_o come_v to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_o those_o that_o be_v lose_v and_o not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n nay_o more_o he_o tell_v they_o in_o the_o seven_o and_o 10_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v more_o joy_n in_o heaven_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n that_o need_v no_o repentance_n or_o such_o a_o total_a change_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v in_o a_o sinner_n that_o break_v off_o his_o vile_a course_n by_o repentance_n and_o far_o to_o explain_v and_o enforce_v this_o great_a and_o most_o comfortable_a truth_n and_o represent_v it_o more_o lively_a to_o their_o apprehension_n he_o speak_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n and_o therein_o very_o natural_o and_o move_o express_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o the_o great_a extravagancy_n of_o wicked_a man_n when_o they_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o be_v weary_a of_o the_o government_n of_o god_n their_o heavenly_a father_n second_o the_o sad_a condition_n such_o man_n quick_o reduce_v themselves_o to_o by_o that_o their_o extravagancy_n and_o loose_v self-willed_a course_n of_o life_n or_o in_o other_o word_n the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o debauchery_n and_o riot_n three_o the_o sharp_a remorse_n of_o conscience_n that_o attend_v such_o course_n the_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o they_o and_o the_o resolution_n of_o a_o awaken_v sinner_n to_o return_v again_o to_o his_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o four_o the_o great_a tenderness_n and_o compassion_n of_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n to_o such_o as_o repent_v in_o earnest_n and_o keep_v their_o resolution_n his_o readiness_n to_o receive_v they_o again_o to_o his_o favour_n and_o great_a joy_n for_o their_o return_n because_o they_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v alive_a again_o be_v lose_v but_o be_v find_v which_o last_v particular_a be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a joy_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n that_o need_v no_o repentance_n and_o be_v a_o very_a satisfactory_a account_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v so_o often_o converse_v with_o and_o instruct_v publican_n and_o sinner_n for_o they_o have_v the_o most_o need_n of_o that_o great_a physician_n of_o soul_n and_o consequent_o their_o salvation_n will_v cause_v the_o great_a joy_n in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o our_o compassionate_a saviour_n so_o industrious_o endeavour_v their_o conversion_n and_o have_v the_o pharisee_n have_v any_o of_o that_o goodness_n in_o they_o they_o so_o much_o pretend_v to_o they_o will_v have_v rejoice_v at_o our_o lord_n charity_n and_o admire_v and_o love_v he_o for_o it_o rather_o than_o have_v murmur_v at_o it_o as_o they_o do_v and_o use_v it_o as_o a_o objection_n against_o he_o the_o first_o thing_n express_v in_o this_o parable_n be_v the_o great_a extravagancy_n
that_o of_o st._n james_n if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n but_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v for_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n james_n 1._o 5_o 6._o the_o meaning_n of_o all_o which_o i_o suppose_v to_o be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n upon_o their_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o lord_n promise_n of_o enable_v they_o to_o work_v miracle_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o his_o power_n to_o do_v according_o shall_v when_o they_o pray_v for_o his_o help_n be_v enable_v to_o do_v as_o they_o desire_v so_o all_o other_o believer_n if_o their_o prayer_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o strong_a belief_n of_o his_o veracity_n in_o promise_v to_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a of_o his_o ability_n to_o relieve_v and_o help_v they_o and_o of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o willingness_n to_o grant_v they_o their_o desire_n if_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o they_o they_o shall_v certain_o speed_v well_o and_o receive_v a_o blessing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o very_a petition_n they_o offer_v up_o if_o for_o their_o good_a shall_v be_v grant_v they_o and_o if_o not_o for_o their_o good_a god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n will_v bestow_v something_o else_o upon_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v more_o for_o their_o advantage_n and_o they_o may_v depend_v upon_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v send_v away_o empty_a but_o he_o that_o waver_v and_o be_v of_o doubtful_a mind_n in_o these_o particular_n and_o pray_v with_o great_a diffidency_n and_o distrust_n of_o prevail_a as_o his_o prayer_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o cool_a and_o without_o that_o life_n and_o fervour_n and_o importunacy_n which_o we_o shall_v see_v present_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a to_o our_o success_n so_o his_o mind_n must_v be_v in_o strange_a agitation_n and_o toss_v between_o the_o wave_n of_o two_o contrary_a and_o very_a perplex_v passion_n hope_v and_o fear_n and_o the_o latter_a have_v manifest_o the_o advantage_n with_o such_o a_o man_n for_o if_o his_o hope_n be_v strong_a than_o his_o fear_n he_o will_v be_v more_o fix_v and_o steady_a than_o he_o be_v it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o at_o length_n after_o intolerable_a disquietude_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n he_o will_v split_v upon_o despair_n or_o downright_a atheism_n so_o true_a be_v that_o of_o st._n james_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 6_o 8._o he_o that_o waver_v be_v like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n drive_v about_o and_o toss_v a_o double_a mind_a man_n be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o so_o necessary_a be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v firm_o believe_v and_o be_v actual_o persuade_v when_o we_o pray_v that_o our_o petition_n if_o for_o our_o good_a shall_v be_v grant_v we_o by_o our_o heavenly_a father_n there_o be_v yet_o one_o thing_n more_o require_v if_o we_o will_v succeed_v in_o our_o devotion_n and_o which_o be_v of_o very_o great_a avail_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o be_v a_o holy_a earnestness_n and_o importunity_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o much_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o our_o lord_n deliver_v two_o parable_n cite_v at_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v in_o both_o there_o be_v a_o delay_n and_o denial_n for_o a_o time_n but_o at_o length_n the_o importunate_n prevail_v now_o though_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n direct_v to_o this_o importunity_n can_v be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o mention_v in_o the_o parable_n god_n quietness_n and_o happiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v disturb_v nor_o he_o tease_v and_o weary_a into_o compliance_n as_o those_o in_o the_o parable_n be_v yet_o there_o may_v be_v several_a other_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o it_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o our_o earnest_a desire_n of_o prevail_a and_o that_o we_o indeed_o high_o value_v what_o we_o thus_o importunate_o beg_v for_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o prize_v a_o blessing_n the_o more_o which_o we_o so_o hardly_o come_v by_o and_o to_o be_v the_o more_o thankful_a for_o it_o when_o we_o receive_v it_o and_o the_o more_o careful_a not_o to_o lose_v or_o forfeit_v it_o it_o be_v a_o trial_n of_o our_o patience_n a_o exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n it_o teach_v humility_n and_o self-denial_n and_o amendment_n of_o our_o fault_n lest_o our_o continuance_n in_o they_o render_v we_o unworthy_a of_o god_n favour_n it_o make_v devotion_n burn_v bright_a and_o vigorous_o and_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a reason_n it_o be_v that_o our_o good_a god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n free_o and_o upbraid_v not_o have_v make_v importunity_n a_o condition_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v our_o request_n and_o indeed_o the_o blessing_n god_n encourage_v we_o to_o ask_v and_o bestow_v upon_o we_o be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o utmost_a earnestness_n and_o most_o importunate_a address_n and_o the_o long_a attendance_n will_v be_v abundant_o repay_v with_o a_o grant_n at_o last_o have_v thus_o do_v what_o i_o at_o first_o propose_v to_o do_v upon_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o importunate_a widow_n and_o prove_v that_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o the_o privilege_n but_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a and_o show_v how_o far_o the_o obligation_n to_o this_o duty_n do_v extend_v and_o what_o those_o requisite_n be_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o effectual_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n viz_o purity_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n sincerity_n of_o intention_n just_a and_o upright_o deal_v with_o one_o another_o express_v by_o st._n paul_n by_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n and_o likewise_o a_o quiet_a peaceable_a temper_n of_o mind_n not_o give_v to_o strife_n and_o wrath_n but_o apt_a to_o be_v reconcile_v and_o to_o forgive_v together_o with_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o veracity_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n accompany_v with_o a_o holy_a earnestness_n and_o importunity_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o all_o of_o we_o be_v exhort_v diligent_o and_o hearty_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n before_o describe_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n this_o so_o beneficial_a a_o duty_n there_o be_v no_o place_n no_o time_n but_o we_o have_v need_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n and_o we_o may_v always_o and_o in_o every_o place_n beseech_v it_o of_o he_o and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o hear_v and_o accept_v we_o whenever_o we_o address_v to_o he_o as_o we_o ought_v it_o be_v prayer_n that_o sanctify_v prosperity_n and_o make_v light_v the_o burden_n of_o adversity_n and_o bring_v a_o blessing_n upon_o our_o business_n and_o calling_n and_o be_v the_o great_a cordial_n upon_o the_o bed_n of_o sickness_n wherefore_o let_v we_o pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v and_o by_o a_o importunity_n not_o to_o be_v deny_v do_v a_o please_a violence_n to_o heaven_n for_o every_o one_o that_o thus_o ask_v etc._n matth._n 11.10_o etc._n etc._n receive_v if_o a_o son_n shall_v ask_v any_o of_o we_o that_o be_v a_o father_n bread_n or_o a_o fish_n or_o a_o egg_n will_v we_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o a_o serpent_n or_o a_o scorpion_n if_o we_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o our_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v our_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o all_o other_o needful_a blessing_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o the_o prayer_n most_o gracious_a god_n who_o not_o only_o permit_v but_o do_v encourage_v nay_o command_v we_o to_o make_v our_o request_n know_v unto_o thou_o and_o have_v promise_v by_o thy_o bless_a son_n that_o whatever_o we_o ask_v in_o his_o name_n if_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o we_o we_o shall_v receive_v assist_v i_o with_o thy_o grace_n so_o to_o advert_v to_o the_o all-sufficiency_n and_o almighty_a goodness_n of_o thy_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o miserable_a indigency_n of_o my_o own_o that_o i_o may_v have_v a_o due_a value_n for_o this_o inestimable_a favour_n and_o be_v so_o much_o my_o own_o friend_n as_o often_o to_o bend_v my_o knee_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o thy_o grace_n and_o lay_v my_o supplication_n before_o thou_o i_o humble_o confess_v o_o lord_n and_o deplore_v my_o hitherto_o great_a and_o stupid_a backwardness_n in_o this_o heavenly_a and_o most_o beneficial_a duty_n and_o earnest_o beseech_v thou_o that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v thou_o will_v prepare_v my_o soul_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n that_o it_o may_v become_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n and_o a_o fit_a habitation_n for_o
that_o he_o will_v turn_v away_o that_o fierce_a anger_n from_o he_o which_o he_o be_v very_o sensible_a he_o have_v but_o too_o much_o deserve_v thus_o david_n frame_v a_o psalm_n on_o purpose_n to_o confess_v and_o bewail_v his_o great_a transgression_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o uriah_n he_o than_o forget_v all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o he_o and_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o his_o former_a excellent_a piety_n shall_v cover_v and_o make_v amends_o for_o those_o foul_a sin_n he_o do_v not_o search_v for_o excuse_n and_o endeavour_v to_o extenuate_v his_o gild_n but_o like_o a_o true_o humble_a penitent_n change_v his_o usual_a strain_n of_o praise_n and_o thansgiving_n for_o the_o accent_n of_o grief_n and_o shame_n and_o better_a remorse_n acknowledge_v his_o transgression_n and_o have_v his_o sin_n ever_o before_o he_o and_o with_o the_o most_o pathetic_a earnestness_n of_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n beg_v god_n forgiveness_n and_o that_o he_o will_v again_o great_a in_o he_o a_o clean_a heart_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o he_o as_o if_o those_o his_o great_a wickedness_n have_v not_o only_o pollute_v all_o that_o before_o be_v good_a in_o he_o but_o quite_o destroy_v the_o rectitude_n and_o integrity_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o as_o david_n so_o s._n peter_n when_o he_o reflect_v upon_o the_o great_a baseness_n of_o deny_v his_o divine_a master_n and_o saviour_n his_o spirit_n be_v so_o true_o humble_v that_o without_o endeavour_v in_o the_o least_o to_o conceal_v or_o palliate_v his_o fault_n he_o go_v out_o and_o weep_v bitter_o and_o so_o the_o publican_n in_o the_o parable_n will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n to_o heaven_n but_o stand_v afar_o off_o in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v the_o low_a of_o all_o and_o with_o great_a compunction_n of_o spirit_n smite_v upon_o his_o breast_n and_o say_v god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v upon_o this_o parable_n which_o be_v to_o show_v what_o the_o grace_n of_o spiritual_a humility_n be_v viz._n a_o not_o overvalue_a our_o spiritual_a excellency_n nor_o ourselves_o by_o reason_n of_o they_o nor_o despise_v other_o as_o less_o holy_a but_o return_v all_o the_o glory_n to_o god_n who_o make_v we_o to_o differ_v nor_o undervalue_v or_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v and_o extenuate_v our_o wickedness_n but_o a_o impartial_a consider_v the_o vileness_n and_o great_a aggravation_n of_o they_o and_o sincere_a humble_v ourselves_o for_o they_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o show_v how_o excellent_a and_o beneficial_a this_o virtue_n be_v in_o our_o christian_a course_n and_o how_o vile_a and_o mischievous_a the_o contrary_a vice_n be_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o this_o virtue_n be_v very_o excellent_a and_o of_o great_a benefit_n to_o christian_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v place_v it_o in_o the_o front_n of_o his_o beatitude_n which_o he_o begin_v thus_o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n like_o a_o wise_a master-builder_n he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n low_a of_o a_o building_n that_o be_v to_o reach_v so_o very_o high_a and_o humbleness_n of_o mind_n must_v be_v the_o groundwork_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o will_v advance_v a_o man_n to_o heaven_n piety_n without_o humility_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o make_v man_n top-heavy_a and_o overset_a like_o a_o ship_n without_o her_o ballast_n it_o be_v this_o that_o preserve_v the_o soul_n unshaken_a amid_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o that_o make_v a_o ship_n sail_v sure_a and_o steady_a amid_o the_o mighty_a billow_n the_o house_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o sandy_a surface_n of_o the_o earth_n soon_o yield_v to_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o tempest_n and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o our_o lord_n therefore_o begin_v with_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n as_o the_o basis_n and_o great_a security_n of_o all_o his_o other_o building_n which_o he_o foresee_v and_o foretell_v be_v to_o undergo_v the_o shock_n of_o many_o a_o furious_a storm_n and_o contend_v with_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n but_o more_o particular_o this_o grace_n of_o spiritual_a humility_n be_v so_o excellent_a and_o high_o beneficial_a that_o nothing_o more_o conduce_v to_o a_o man_n spiritual_a growth_n and_o increase_v in_o virtue_n nor_o render_v he_o more_o dear_a both_o to_o god_n and_o man._n first_o nothing_o more_o conduce_v to_o a_o man_n spiritual_a growth_n and_o increase_v in_o virtue_n for_o it_o be_v very_o true_a in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o worldly_a affair_n that_o nothing_o make_v man_n more_o industrious_a than_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o their_o want_n and_o the_o poorness_n of_o their_o stock_n whereas_o when_o a_o man_n think_v he_o have_v abundance_n he_o be_v general_o slothful_a and_o careless_a and_o impoverishment_n become_v his_o lot_n rather_o than_o a_o far_a improvement_n a_o humble_a sense_n of_o a_o man_n imperfection_n and_o sin_n will_v make_v he_o double_o diligent_a and_o consequent_o to_o improve_v great_o in_o the_o school_n of_o righteousness_n but_o haughty_a conceitedness_n will_v certain_o make_v he_o grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o nay_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o the_o humble_a mind_a man_n improvement_n for_o it_o be_v always_o find_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o virtue_n as_o well_o as_o of_o knowledge_n that_o the_o more_o real_a virtue_n increase_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o good_a man_n the_o more_o and_o great_a the_o defect_n of_o his_o virtue_n appear_v to_o be_v and_o consequent_o the_o more_o will_v his_o diligence_n be_v quicken_v and_o spur_v on_o as_o st._n paul_n the_o far_o he_o advance_v in_o the_o christian_a race_n the_o more_o conscious_a he_o grow_v that_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o apprehend_v what_o he_o endeavour_v after_o and_o be_v not_o yet_o perfect_a and_o that_o make_v he_o forget_v what_o be_v behind_o his_o former_a attainment_n and_o reach_v out_o to_o what_o be_v still_o before_o what_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o and_o eager_o press_v forward_o to_o the_o mark_n the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n now_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o extraordinary_a diligence_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a growth_n and_o increase_n and_o so_o still_o onward_o in_o a_o quick_a and_o vigorous_a motion_n till_o he_o finish_v his_o virtuous_a race_n and_o be_v perfect_a as_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a and_o as_o this_o spiritual_a humility_n make_v a_o man_n move_v swift_o in_o the_o christian_a course_n so_o it_o make_v he_o tread_v sure_o too_o it_o balance_n he_o and_o keep_v he_o upon_o his_o centre_n and_o secure_v he_o from_o those_o dangerous_a fall_n which_o too_o often_o be_v the_o fate_n of_o the_o high-minded_a and_o proud_a for_o it_o be_v pride_n and_o haughtiness_n of_o spirit_n we_o know_v that_o ruine_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o fall_v angel_n and_o his_o accomplice_n but_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n be_v the_o great_a security_n of_o a_o christian_a against_o the_o subtle_a art_n of_o the_o tempter_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o disciple_n of_o the_o meek_a lowly_a jesus_n and_o be_v a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n the_o most_o of_o all_o apt_a for_o repentance_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o infinite_a value_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o entitle_v a_o man_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o the_o divine_a aid_n and_o assistance_n for_o god_n give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a second_o as_o this_o spiritual_a humility_n be_v of_o the_o great_a benefit_n to_o a_o christian_a so_o do_v it_o render_v he_o high_o dear_a both_o to_o god_n and_o man._n all_o man_n love_v a_o humble_a man_n and_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o wise_a and_o extraordinary_a person_n and_o he_o that_o be_v pious_a and_o circumspect_a in_o his_o conversation_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o proud_a of_o it_o nor_o despise_v or_o haughty_o reflect_v upon_o other_o that_o live_v more_o at_o large_a than_o he_o do_v but_o advise_v they_o better_o seasonable_o and_o with_o meekness_n and_o humility_n such_o a_o man_n be_v esteem_v as_o a_o person_n send_v from_o god_n to_o do_v good_a to_o mankind_n that_o see_v his_o good_a work_n mix_v with_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n they_o may_v be_v incline_v to_o imitate_v so_o lovely_a a_o example_n and_o glorify_v their_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n by_o tread_v in_o his_o step_n and_o as_o for_o god_n s._n peter_n and_o s._n james_n and_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n all_o agree_v that_o he_o resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o our_o lord_n himself_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o parable_n we_o
be_v now_o consider_v say_v express_o he_o that_o exalt_v himself_o shall_v be_v abase_v and_o he_o that_o humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v and_o the_o humble_a publican_n go_v down_o to_o his_o house_n justify_v rather_o than_o the_o haughty_a pharisee_fw-mi so_o beneficial_a and_o high_o valuable_a both_o with_o god_n and_o man_n be_v humility_n of_o spirit_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v opinionate_a and_o proud_a of_o one_o virtue_n be_v a_o great_a misfortune_n as_o well_o as_o fault_n and_o bring_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o a_o peculiar_a sort_n of_o trouble_n and_o uneasiness_n along_o with_o it_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n hate_v both_o by_o god_n and_o man_n and_o be_v despise_v and_o disgrace_v by_o every_o body_n to_o what_o will_v otherwise_o be_v real_o praiseworthy_a it_o bring_v the_o great_a disparagement_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o a_o man_n conversation_n be_v but_o indifferent_a and_o like_o other_o man_n then_o nothing_o make_v he_o more_o ridiculous_a than_o much_o to_o value_v himself_o upon_o what_o be_v of_o so_o little_a or_o no_o excellency_n and_o what_o a_o pain_n it_o be_v for_o man_n that_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o extraordinary_a person_n to_o see_v other_o so_o far_o from_o that_o opinion_n as_o rather_o to_o slight_v and_o deprecate_v they_o may_v easy_o be_v imagine_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o mishap_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o people_n always_o to_o meet_v with_o such_o kind_n of_o entertainment_n as_o this_o man_n set_v themselves_o on_o purpose_n to_o tease_v and_o worry_v they_o that_o if_o possible_a they_o may_v make_v they_o ashamed_a and_o weary_a of_o a_o thing_n so_o general_o hate_v but_o beside_o this_o peculiar_a sort_n of_o vexation_n and_o uneasiness_n that_o attend_v spiritual_a pride_n there_o be_v something_o much_o worse_a to_o be_v say_v of_o it_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a for_o man_n infect_v with_o this_o vice_n ever_o to_o improve_v in_o religion_n and_o grow_v better_o for_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n nothing_o slacken_v diligence_n and_o industry_n more_o than_o this_o without_o which_o no_o progress_n can_v be_v make_v in_o any_o thing_n or_o at_o best_a a_o very_a slow_a one_o especial_o where_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n to_o be_v struggle_v with_o as_o in_o religion_n and_o what_o signify_v instruction_n or_o reproof_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o gall_n and_o enrage_v he_o to_o a_o man_n that_o think_v his_o virtue_n very_o extraordinary_a if_o not_o complete_a already_o and_o beside_o god_n from_o who_o we_o derive_v all_o our_o sufficiency_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o therefore_o as_o solomon_n say_v no_o wonder_n if_o when_o pride_n come_v then_o come_v destruction_n and_o a_o haughty_a spirit_n be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o a_o fall_n beside_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n be_v now_o to_o be_v proud_a of_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v proud_a of_o imperfection_n for_o such_o be_v the_o virtue_n even_o of_o the_o best_a man_n upon_o earth_n nay_o it_o be_v to_o be_v proud_a of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o for_o no_o man_n that_o be_v proud_a of_o his_o virtue_n be_v indeed_o virtuous_a that_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n be_v want_v which_o give_v the_o value_n to_o all_o religious_a action_n and_o render_v they_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o it_o not_o only_o pollute_v and_o unhallows_n what_o may_v otherwise_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o virtue_n but_o as_o be_v hint_v before_o it_o keep_v a_o man_n from_o grow_v better_o it_o blind_v he_o that_o he_o can_v discern_v his_o fault_n and_o he_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o admire_v his_o excellency_n and_o with_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi thank_v god_n that_o he_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v extortioner_n unjust_a adulterer_n or_o the_o like_a that_o his_o great_a defect_n pass_v unobserved_a by_o he_o and_o with_o the_o man_n in_o the_o fable_n he_o be_v so_o busy_a in_o gaze_v upon_o thing_n above_o himself_o that_o he_o perceive_v not_o the_o danger_n under_o his_o foot_n till_o he_o fall_v into_o they_o have_v thus_o endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o spiritual_a humility_n and_o how_o excellent_a and_o high_o beneficial_a a_o grace_n it_o be_v and_o how_o vile_a and_o mischievous_a the_o contrary_a vice_n be_v destructive_a of_o all_o religion_n and_o hateful_a both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o show_v how_o high_o this_o virtue_n shall_v be_v reward_v which_o be_v express_v thus_o in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o parable_n he_o that_o humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v that_o be_v in_o short_a man_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n in_o point_n of_o virtue_n their_o self-annihilation_a and_o return_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o good_a action_n to_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o whatever_o be_v commendable_a in_o they_o and_o without_o pride_v themselves_o in_o their_o present_a attainment_n press_v on_o still_o to_o great_a degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o heavenly_a life_n this_o shall_v in_o the_o world_n of_o eternal_a felicity_n and_o glory_n be_v reward_v with_o the_o impression_n of_o a_o near_a resemblance_n to_o that_o divine_a fountain_n of_o holiness_n and_o perfection_n who_o here_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n they_o shall_v then_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o they_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o no_o failure_n no_o slip_v or_o imperfection_n no_o avocation_n from_o the_o happy_a employment_n of_o admire_v and_o love_v god_n shall_v be_v there_o which_o in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o perpetual_a clog_n and_o vexation_n of_o a_o holy_a soul_n but_o with_o their_o faculty_n free_a and_o vigorous_a they_o shall_v full_o enjoy_v this_o supreme_a good_a without_o interruption_n to_o all_o eternity_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o heaven_n this_o be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o this_o heaven_n and_o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n who_o here_o ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o virtuous_a action_n and_o their_o humble_v themselves_o before_o his_o majesty_n in_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o vileness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o their_o sin_n which_o the_o best_a man_n live_v be_v not_o whole_o without_o shall_v be_v reward_v with_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v lift_v up_o from_o their_o prostration_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o their_o god_n and_o saviour_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o his_o bosom_n and_o joy_n extraordinary_a joy_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n for_o their_o repentance_n they_o shall_v be_v exalt_v from_o the_o state_n of_o penitent_n to_o that_o of_o friend_n nay_o son_n of_o god_n and_o all_o tear_n for_o the_o future_a shall_v be_v for_o ever_o wipe_v from_o their_o eye_n and_o they_o shall_v participate_v of_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o lord_n from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a and_o such_o a_o exaltation_n as_o this_o be_v no_o doubt_n a_o abundant_a recompense_n for_o all_o the_o pain_n of_o spiritual_a mortification_n and_o a_o repentance_n so_o reward_v will_v never_o be_v repent_v of_o to_o conclude_v therefore_o if_o we_o hope_v to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o that_o ineffable_a felicity_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o this_o humility_n of_o spirit_n we_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o we_o must_v make_v it_o our_o endeavour_n to_o tread_v the_o path_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o we_o must_v humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n above_o describe_v that_o he_o may_v exalt_v we_o in_o due_a time_n and_o as_o without_o who_o we_o can_v do_v no_o good_a thing_n we_o must_v with_o all_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n beg_v his_o gracious_a assistance_n who_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v follow_v his_o step_n and_o return_v he_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o pious_a advances_n who_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o be_v so_o due_o affect_v with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o our_o wickedness_n as_o with_o the_o publican_n in_o bitter_a remorse_n and_o with_o sincere_a purpose_n of_o amendment_n to_o smite_v upon_o our_o breast_n and_o say_v god_n be_v merciful_a to_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n the_o prayer_n o_o meek_n and_o lowly_a jesus_n who_o resiste_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o have_v place_v poverty_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o front_n of_o thy_o beatitude_n as_o the_o foundation_n and_o groundwork_n of_o thy_o holy_a religion_n teach_v i_o this_o excellent_a grace_n i_o humble_o beseech_v thou_o and_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v hate_v and_o shun_v pride_n above_o all_o thing_n as_o the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a vice_n which_o defile_v every_o thing_n however_o otherwise_o commendable_a and_o excellent_a and_o natural_o tend_v to_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n and_o to_o allay_v all_o vain_a tumour_n that_o shall_v arise_v give_v i_o o_o bless_a saviour_n a_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o my_o nature_n my_o many_o heinous_a violation_n of_o my_o duty_n my_o vile_a ungratitude_n to_o thou_o my_o great_a benefactor_n and_o the_o great_a imperfection_n of_o even_o my_o best_a service_n and_o that_o whatever_o i_o have_v do_v that_o be_v praiseworthy_a be_v owe_v to_o thy_o gracious_a assistance_n and_o that_o of_o myself_o i_o can_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a o_o may_v i_o therefore_o never_o arrogate_v to_o myself_o what_o shall_v be_v whole_o thou_o nor_o despise_v any_o man_n like_o the_o haughty_a pharisee_fw-mi who_o have_v nothing_o myself_o but_o what_o i_o have_v receive_v from_o thou_o but_o in_o sincere_a humility_n of_o spirit_n return_v thou_o all_o the_o glory_n say_v after_o i_o have_v do_v all_o that_o i_o can_v i_o be_o still_o a_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o have_v do_v but_o what_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o do_v and_o grant_v that_o in_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o my_o still_o great_a defect_n consider_v what_o vast_a assistance_n i_o have_v have_v i_o may_v smite_v upon_o my_o breast_n and_o say_v with_o the_o publican_n god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o miserable_a sinner_n grant_v this_o thou_o meek_a and_o humble_a lamb_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o thy_o own_o tender_a mercy_n amen_n and_o amen_n finis_fw-la
it_o and_o as_o i_o be_o in_o charity_n bind_v by_o severity_n when_o the_o man_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o soul_n so_o by_o a_o timely_a relief_n likewise_o when_o there_o be_v urgent_a need_n of_o it_o to_o support_v his_o body_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a all_o that_o want_n be_v to_o be_v relieve_v but_o it_o be_v after_o a_o different_a manner_n and_o the_o charity_n must_v be_v adapt_v to_o the_o necessity_n to_o the_o widow_n and_o the_o fatherless_a the_o naked_a the_o hungry_a the_o sick_a and_o the_o helpless_a must_v be_v minister_v comfort_n and_o support_v but_o to_o sturdy_a lazy_a traveller_n as_o they_o call_v themselves_o the_o lash_n and_o labour_n and_o rough_a treatment_n and_o this_o however_o harsh_o it_o may_v sound_v be_v the_o great_a charity_n of_o the_o two_n and_o thus_o much_o in_o general_a for_o the_o first_o enquiry_n occasion_v by_o this_o parable_n viz._n who_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o this_o kind_a of_o charity_n according_a to_o the_o intent_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lawyer_n to_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v our_o neighbour_n in_o this_o respect_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n how_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o express_v this_o charity_n to_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o it_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o in_o what_o measure_n and_o in_o general_a as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o relieve_v it_o must_v be_v adapt_v to_o the_o necessity_n to_o be_v relieve_v and_o as_o to_o the_o measure_n it_o must_v likewise_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o to_o the_o ability_n of_o the_o person_n that_o relieve_v it_o but_o to_o do_v justice_n to_o this_o enquiry_n we_o must_v be_v more_o particular_a and_o shall_v therefore_o reduce_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n to_o these_o three_o head_n poverty_n sickness_n and_o loss_n of_o liberty_n and_o show_v the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o relieve_v each_o as_o for_o poverty_n it_o may_v be_v of_o several_a kind_n and_o may_v consist_v either_o in_o want_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n or_o of_o clothes_n or_o of_o a_o habitation_n or_o in_o a_o forlorn_a widowhood_n and_o loss_n of_o parent_n i_o e._n in_o such_o a_o urgent_a want_n of_o necessary_n for_o life_n as_o the_o person_n be_v utter_o unable_a at_o least_o for_o the_o present_a to_o supply_v themselves_o withal_o and_o such_o a_o loss_n of_o husband_n or_o parent_n as_o leave_v destitute_a of_o such_o necessary_n and_o of_o mean_n to_o procure_v they_o now_o in_o case_n of_o such_o poverty_n the_o relief_n must_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o most_o urgent_a necessity_n he_o that_o be_v hungry_a must_v be_v supply_v with_o meat_n and_o the_o thirsty_a with_o drink_n the_o naked_a with_o clothing_n sufficient_a to_o keep_v out_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o wether_n stranger_n and_o distress_a traveller_n with_o lodging_n and_o widow_n and_o such_o as_o have_v be_v house_n keeper_n but_o be_v fall_v to_o decay_n with_o convenient_a habitation_n and_o a_o competent_a subsistence_n and_o the_o fatherless_a with_o good_a education_n and_o a_o paternal_a care_n in_o dispose_v of_o they_o to_o trade_n and_o employment_n whereby_o they_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o destitute_a of_o all_o comfort_n as_o to_o want_v most_o or_o all_o of_o these_o necessary_n they_o must_v be_v supply_v with_o all_o begin_v with_o that_o of_o which_o there_o be_v the_o most_o need_n or_o else_o with_o a_o competent_a piece_n of_o money_n 10.19_o eccles_n 10.19_o which_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v answer_v all_o thing_n but_o this_o last_o must_v be_v understand_v only_o with_o respect_n to_o a_o poor_a man_n that_o be_v in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o that_o he_o can_v without_o any_o great_a inconvenience_n shift_v for_o himself_o and_o with_o the_o money_n give_v he_o provide_v what_o be_v necessary_a but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o such_o present_a urgent_a necessity_n whether_o of_o food_n or_o drink_v or_o raiment_n or_o lodging_n or_o the_o like_a that_o he_o will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o perish_v if_o his_o want_n be_v not_o quick_o supply_v and_o the_o distance_n from_o public_a place_n of_o entertainment_n great_a and_o the_o season_n extreme_a in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a circumstance_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o mock_n piece_n of_o charity_n to_o give_v money_n and_o take_v no_o far_o care_n of_o he_o there_o must_v be_v particular_a provision_n make_v for_o such_o a_o man_n be_v particular_a want_n and_o that_o immediate_o and_o without_o delay_n thus_o for_o instance_n suppose_v a_o poor_a man_n shall_v come_v to_o any_o one_o house_n in_o a_o sharp_a winter_n and_o dark_a night_n approach_v cold_a and_o faint_a and_o hungry_a and_o weary_a and_o beg_v for_o admittance_n and_o that_o pity_n may_v be_v have_v of_o his_o sad_a condition_n and_o some_o relief_n afford_v he_o and_o suppose_v the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n shall_v refuse_v to_o take_v he_o in_o or_o let_v he_o refresh_v himself_o with_o he_o but_o withal_o give_v he_o a_o piece_n of_o money_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o two_o or_o three_o mile_n off_o there_o be_v a_o town_n where_o for_o that_o money_n he_o may_v have_v supply_n of_o his_o want_n and_o so_o send_v he_o away_o and_o suppose_v this_o poor_a wretch_n shall_v either_o faint_v by_o the_o way_n or_o miss_v of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o weak_a condition_n he_o be_v in_o be_v force_v to_o lie_v abroad_o and_o by_o the_o morning_n be_v find_v quite_o overcome_v by_o the_o rigorous_a season_n and_o starve_v to_o death_n in_o this_o case_n what_o will_v the_o man_n dry_a charity_n avail_v he_o or_o rather_o shall_v he_o not_o answer_v for_o the_o death_n of_o that_o distress_a creature_n when_o he_o can_v have_v prevent_v it_o but_o will_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o good_a samaritan_n relieve_v and_o succour_v the_o unfortunate_a jew_n in_o the_o parable_n though_o by_o his_o different_a way_n of_o religion_n quite_o estrange_v from_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o remarkable_a example_n of_o a_o thorough_a charity_n when_o he_o come_v near_o and_o see_v what_o a_o sad_a condition_n the_o thief_n have_v lest_o the_o poor_a man_n in_o despoil_v of_o his_o money_n and_o his_o clothes_n and_o wound_v and_o leave_v half-dead_a he_o first_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o great_a necessity_n and_o bind_v up_o his_o wound_n pour_v in_o oil_n and_o wine_n and_o then_o not_o think_v that_o a_o sufficient_a charity_n to_o a_o man_n in_o his_o condition_n he_o set_v he_o on_o his_o own_o beast_n and_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o inn_n and_o take_v far_a care_n of_o his_o refreshment_n and_o stay_v there_o with_o he_o till_o the_o morrow_n to_o see_v that_o he_o have_v what_o be_v convenient_a for_o he_o and_o because_o his_o perfect_a recovery_n will_v be_v a_o thing_n of_o time_n he_o leave_v money_n with_o the_o host_n and_o a_o charge_n to_o look_v well_o after_o he_o and_o promise_n that_o whatever_o be_v spend_v more_o upon_o that_o poor_a man_n account_n when_o he_o come_v again_o he_o will_v repay_v this_o be_v indeed_o a_o complete_a relief_n and_o manage_v with_o as_o much_o discretion_n as_o compassion_n and_o our_o lord_n application_n be_v go_v and_o do_v thou_o likewise_o in_o all_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o poor_a must_v be_v consider_v and_o the_o relief_n suit_v according_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o express_v our_o charity_n to_o the_o sick_a it_o be_v in_o short_a to_o make_v frequent_a visit_n of_o comfort_n to_o they_o to_o refresh_v their_o spirit_n by_o pious_a discourse_n of_o the_o power_n and_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o that_o god_n who_o send_v the_o affliction_n who_o can_v remove_v it_o if_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o who_o chasten_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o his_o love_n and_o that_o if_o he_o still_o continue_v it_o his_o wisdom_n see_v it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o best_a at_o last_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v incline_v to_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o patient_o submit_v to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o it_o be_v to_o supply_v likewise_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o attendance_n and_o recovery_n the_o poor_a sort_n shall_v express_v their_o charity_n in_o this_o instance_n by_o personal_a attendance_n and_o service_n and_o the_o more_o wealthy_a by_o provide_v thing_n necessary_a and_o overlook_v and_o direct_v to_o what_o be_v convenient_a and_o this_o be_v a_o most_o noble_a piece_n of_o charity_n and_o provide_v for_o the_o health_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o seasonable_a and_o well-timed_a for_o
in_o time_n of_o sickness_n the_o whole_a man_n be_v deject_v and_o the_o spirit_n which_o shall_v bear_v up_o his_o infirmity_n be_v then_o it_o self_n for_o the_o most_o part_n wounded_z through_o the_o near_a prospect_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o the_o bold_a accusation_n of_o conscience_n which_o then_o unless_o quite_o sear_v be_v loud_a and_o clamorous_a then_o the_o man_n be_v least_o of_o all_o able_a to_o help_v himself_o and_o the_o charge_n of_o sickness_n be_v great_a and_o he_o that_o be_v poor_a in_o health_n when_o sick_a be_v double_o poor_a and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o great_a object_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n than_o a_o poor_a sick_a man._n and_o as_o all_o charity_n must_v be_v universal_a without_o except_v even_o enemy_n so_o in_o this_o case_n our_o enemy_n shall_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n to_o choose_v for_o upon_o a_o sickbed_n it_o be_v most_o likely_a that_o they_o will_v be_v reconcile_v and_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a than_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v for_o sickness_n often_o end_v in_o death_n and_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v but_o that_o sickness_n which_o his_o enemy_n then_o lie_v under_o may_v be_v his_o last_o and_o it_o be_v a_o miserable_a thing_n to_o die_v in_o enmity_n and_o therefore_o before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a whoever_o be_v at_o variance_n with_o a_o sick_a man_n shall_v go_v to_o he_o and_o endeavour_v a_o reconcilement_n if_o he_o have_v injure_v the_o sick_a in_o any_o respect_n he_o shall_v ask_v his_o pardon_n and_o make_v he_o satisfaction_n and_o restitution_n and_o if_o the_o sick_a man_n have_v injure_v he_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o he_o to_o let_v he_o know_v that_o he_o free_o forgive_v he_o and_o desire_n that_o all_o illwill_a may_v be_v at_o at_o end_n for_o the_o future_a and_o at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v usual_o more_o soften_v and_o compliant_a than_o in_o health_n and_o the_o soul_n more_o awaken_v and_o sensible_a of_o her_o duty_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a he_o will_v hearken_v and_o the_o man_n will_v gain_v his_o brother_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a charity_n indeed_o to_o ease_v a_o sick_a man_n mind_n of_o the_o devilish_a and_o torment_a passion_n of_o malice_n and_o revenge_n it_o provide_v for_o peace_n and_o amity_n for_o the_o future_a shall_v he_o recover_v and_o shall_v he_o die_v it_o make_v his_o account_n much_o easy_a at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n 3._o as_o for_o charity_n to_o such_o as_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o liberty_n the_o manner_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o visit_v and_o discourse_v comfortable_o to_o they_o and_o in_o endeavour_v by_o the_o best_a method_n we_o can_v to_o procure_v their_o enlargement_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n in_o help_v they_o to_o necessary_n and_o persuade_v their_o keeper_n to_o be_v kind_a to_o they_o and_o use_v they_o tender_o and_o if_o they_o be_v imprison_v for_o grimes_n it_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o the_o gild_n of_o they_o before_o god_n and_o that_o unless_o they_o sincere_o repent_v of_o they_o a_o eternal_a bondage_n in_o chain_n of_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o low_a hell_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o dungeon_n their_o iron_n shackle_n and_o temporary_a confinement_n and_o the_o object_n of_o this_o piece_n of_o charity_n be_v as_o before_o all_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o friend_n stranger_n and_o foreigner_n as_o well_o as_o neighbour_n and_o acquaintance_n under_o this_o head_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o express_v our_o charity_n to_o the_o necessitous_a it_o be_v proper_a to_o inquire_v what_o preference_n may_v be_v make_v of_o one_o object_n of_o charity_n before_o another_o if_o more_o shall_v offer_v themselves_o then_o one_o man_n can_v relieve_v at_o least_o at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o our_o direction_n in_o this_o matter_n st._n paul_n have_v leave_v we_o two_o general_a rule_n the_o one_o gal._n 6.10_o where_o he_o say_v as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o man_n but_o especial_o to_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o prefer_v christian_n before_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n when_o there_o be_v no_o help_n but_o one_o must_v be_v prefer_v and_o among_o christian_n to_o prefer_v in_o like_a circumstance_n the_o pious_a and_o sincere_o good_a before_o such_o as_o live_v not_o agreeable_o to_o their_o holy_a profession_n for_o such_o only_a as_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v proper_o of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n the_o other_o rule_n be_v in_o 1_o tim._n 5.8_o in_o these_o word_n if_o any_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o especial_o those_o of_o his_o own_o house_n or_o kindred_n he_o have_v deny_v the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n and_o here_o we_o be_v direct_v if_o a_o preference_n must_v be_v make_v to_o make_v it_o in_o favour_n of_o our_o friend_n and_o relative_n before_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n to_o we_o but_o these_o rule_n must_v be_v thus_o explain_v as_o first_o where_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o comply_v with_o all_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a there_o this_o preference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v but_o when_o we_o can_v we_o must_v do_v good_a to_o all_o and_o second_o when_o the_o necessity_n of_o pious_a christian_n and_o our_o friend_n and_o relation_n be_v equal_o great_a and_o urgent_a with_o those_o of_o the_o impious_a and_o stranger_n to_o we_o there_o likewise_o our_o charity_n shall_v begin_v at_o home_o but_o three_o when_o the_o distress_n of_o a_o ill_a man_n or_o a_o stranger_n be_v great_a and_o more_o urgent_a than_o that_o of_o a_o good_a man_n or_o my_o friend_n and_o relative_n so_o that_o the_o former_a will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o perish_v unless_o immediate_o relieve_v and_o the_o latter_a will_v not_o but_o may_v safe_o tarry_v long_o then_o there_o must_v be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n but_o the_o great_a necessity_n wherever_o it_o be_v find_v must_v be_v first_o relieve_v i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o relate_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o express_v our_o charity_n and_o that_o be_v what_o st._n peter_n advise_v 1_o pet._n 4.9_o that_o it_o be_v do_v without_o grudge_v the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v murmur_v or_o a_o unwillingness_n in_o do_v any_o thing_n as_o if_o it_o be_v tear_v and_o force_v from_o one_o rather_o than_o proceed_v from_o a_o free_a inclination_n and_o this_o hateful_a churlish_a way_n of_o almsgiving_n st._n paul_n likewise_o express_o forbid_v and_o say_v our_o charity_n must_v not_o be_v show_v grudge_o 9.7_o 2_o cor._n 9.7_o or_o as_o of_o necessity_n and_o rom._n 12.8_o he_o that_o show_v mercy_n let_v he_o do_v it_o with_o cheerfulness_n according_a to_o the_o example_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v set_v we_o who_o give_v to_o every_o man_n liberal_o 1.5_o jam._n 1.5_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o admire_v and_o adore_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v not_o only_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o duty_n but_o have_v so_o order_v the_o very_a circumstantial_o of_o it_o that_o the_o necessitous_a may_v be_v relieve_v with_o as_o much_o decency_n and_o ease_n to_o themselves_o as_o can_v be_v and_o the_o alm_n of_o other_o look_v rather_o like_o their_o own_o propriety_n as_o the_o payment_n of_o a_o debt_n or_o restore_v of_o a_o pledge_n or_o bestow_v a_o reward_n and_o that_o their_o soul_n may_v not_o be_v grieve_v by_o frown_n and_o taunt_n and_o unkind_a language_n when_o they_o receive_v supply_v for_o the_o need_v of_o their_o body_n for_o man_n as_o well_o as_o god_n love_v a_o cheerful_a giver_n and_o a_o benefit_n that_o come_v hardly_o and_o with_o show_n of_o unwillingness_n be_v much_o lessen_v in_o its_o value_n and_o a_o man_n of_o a_o generous_a spirit_n will_v prefer_v a_o mite_n give_v with_o a_o free_a heart_n and_o word_n of_o kindness_n before_o the_o largess_n of_o a_o emperor_n if_o he_o must_v suffer_v upbraid_n for_o it_o and_o opprobrious_a treatment_n super_fw-la omnia_fw-la vultus_fw-la accessere_fw-la boni_fw-la say_v horace_n all_o the_o delicate_n at_o his_o friend_n entertainment_n will_v have_v relish_v but_o very_o indifferent_o have_v not_o a_o cheerful_a countenance_n assure_v he_o of_o his_o welcome_n and_o if_o a_o free_a charity_n be_v give_v in_o secret_a too_o 6.4_o mat._n 6.4_o as_o our_o lord_n himself_o direct_v the_o poor_a man_n will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o put_v to_o the_o blush_v for_o what_o he_o receive_v and_o will_v come_v short_a of_o the_o rich_a in_o nothing_o that_o be_v necessary_a and_o be_v free_a from_o the_o vexation_n that_o attend_v a_o opulent_a condition_n and_o the_o advantage_n